Infant Botulism in Pierce County Tied to Outbreak, Recalled Formula

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Infant Botulism in Pierce County Tied to Outbreak, Recalled Formula

A suspected case of infant botulism has emerged in Pierce County, possibly linked to a national outbreak associated with the ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula. The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department reported that the infant was diagnosed and hospitalized on Thursday.

Understanding Infant Botulism

Infants are especially susceptible to botulism due to their developing gut microbiomes. This can lead to the germination of spores and subsequent toxin production. Symptoms of the condition can include:

Floppiness or weakness
Difficulty swallowing
Breathing issues

In some cases, affected infants may require ventilation to assist with breathing. Since August 2025, there have been at least 23 reported cases across 13 states. Notably, one case involved an infant from Lewis County.

Investigation Status

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is conducting an investigation that includes on-site inspections at ByHeart’s production facilities in Allerton, Iowa, and Portland, Oregon. This effort aims to identify the source of contamination.

ByHeart Formula Distribution

The ByHeart brand accounts for roughly 1% of the infant formula market in the United States. Despite this outbreak, the FDA has indicated there are no concerns regarding national infant formula shortages. Currently, no fatalities have been linked to this outbreak; however, multiple infants remain hospitalized.

The ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula is available through various retailers, including Amazon, Kroger, Walmart, Whole Foods, and Target. The Washington State Department of Health has confirmed that the product was distributed widely in Washington.

Precautionary Measures for Parents

Symptoms of botulism may take weeks to develop, so parents should monitor their infants closely if they used the affected formula. Signs to watch for include: