The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has announced a recall of ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula following concerns that certain batches may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, a dangerous bacterium capable of producing a potent neurotoxin. The affected products were sold online across Canada and include both 680 g and 238 g containers with all unexpired “Use By” codes.
The CFIA warns that food contaminated with botulinum toxin may appear completely normal, as it typically shows no signs of spoilage in taste, smell, or appearance. Despite this, ingestion can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening illness.
Consumers are advised to check their homes for these products and immediately stop using, serving, selling, or distributing them. Anyone who believes they may have consumed the affected formula—and is experiencing symptoms—should contact a healthcare provider urgently.
ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula, 680 g
UPC: 8 50044 96800
All unexpired “Use By” codes
ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula, 238 g
UPC: 8 50044 96802
All unexpired “Use By” codes
Botulism is a rare but extremely serious illness caused by a toxin that attacks the body’s nerves. It can progress rapidly and may require immediate medical attention, including hospitalization and antitoxin therapy.
Symptoms in adults may involve facial paralysis or loss of facial expression, unreactive pupils, drooping eyelids, difficulty swallowing, blurred or double vision, difficulty speaking, slurred speech, and changes in voice quality. Children may show early signs such as generalized weakness, poor feeding, slurred speech, and difficulty swallowing. Notably, botulism does not cause fever, which can delay recognition.
If untreated, the paralysis can spread, affecting breathing muscles and potentially leading to death. Infants are especially vulnerable as their immune systems are still developing, making prompt identification and treatment critical.