Infant formula recalled, linked to illness

OLYMPIA — Powdered infant formula produced by ByHeart has been linked to an outbreak of botulism in 10 involved states, including Washington.

Infant botulism is a rare illness that usually affects babies less than 6 months of age, who fall ill when they ingest certain bacteria that produces a muscle-weakening toxin.

Health officials in Washington and nine other states are investigating the outbreak. So far, 13 infants in 10 states have been affected, one of whom is from Lewis County. All infants reportedly consumed ByHeart-brand powdered infant formula, which ByHeart has voluntarily recalled.

If you have recently purchased ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula: * Do not use. Throw it away or return it to where you bought it. If you still have the container, record the lot number before discarding.

* Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the recalled formula using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.

* Seek immediate medical care if your infant has consumed ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula and is experiencing poor feeding, head control loss, difficulty swallowing, decreased facial expression or other symptoms of infant botulism, which can several weeks to develop.