The Galveston County Health District (GCHD) is working closely with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding a confirmed case of infant botulism in Galveston County. A four-month-old infant is currently hospitalized at Texas Children’s Hospital and is on a ventilator. The child is receiving BabyBIG (Botulism Immune Globulin Intravenous), the recommended treatment for infant botulism. Federal and state health officials are investigating a multistate outbreak of infant botulism linked to infant formula. Infant botulism occurs when babies ingest Clostridium botulinum spores that produce toxin in the gut. Early symptoms often include constipation, followed by difficulty feeding, a weak or altered cry, and loss of head control. To date, 31 cases have been reported across 15 states, all requiring hospitalization. No deaths have been reported.
Recall Advisory: ByHeart Inc. has recalled all of its Whole Nutrition Infant Formula products (all lot numbers, sizes, and single-serve packets) in response to the ongoing investigation.
•If you have any ByHeart formula, stop using it immediately.
•Record the lot number and best-by date if possible, then label any leftovers “DO NOT USE” and store safely.
•After 30 days, discard unused formula if no symptoms develop.
•Clean any bottles, surfaces, and feeding equipment that may have come into contact with the formula usinghot, soapy water or a dishwasher.
•Seek immediate medical attention for symptoms such as poor feeding, loss of head control, difficultyswallowing, or decreased facial expression.
For More Information:
Infant Botulism Outbreak Linked to Infant Formula, November 2025: https://www.cdc.gov/botulism/outbreaks-investigations/infant-formula-nov-2025/index.html?utm_source
FDA: Outbreak Investigation of Infant Botulism, November 2025: https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-infant-botulism-infant-formula-november-2025?utm_source
GCHD will continue to monitor and share updates as new information becomes available
