As health officials investigate more than 30 cases of infant botulism linked to ByHeart baby formula since August, parents whose children fell ill months earlier are demanding clarity and accountability.
California health officials confirmed that six infants treated for botulism after consuming ByHeart formula showed symptoms between November 2024 and June 2025—before the current outbreak, which has impacted at least 31 infants across 15 states.
Officials noted, At the time, there was not enough evidence to immediately suspect a common source, and as of now, there is no link established between earlier cases and the more recent surge.
Parents of affected infants, such as Amy Mazziotti and Katie Connolly, have expressed frustration, claiming the investigations around their children’s illnesses were overlooked until now. Their infants exhibited symptoms after consuming ByHeart formula, highlighting the lack of accountability from the company and health officials.
While the product was recalled nationwide on November 11, parents worry that their children’s severe health challenges went unnoticed despite showing clear signs prior to the outbreak’s acknowledgment in August.
ByHeart officials acknowledged that laboratory tests revealed some unopened samples were indeed contaminated with bacteria linked to infant botulism. With ongoing investigations by the CDC and FDA, many parents question why earlier cases have not been included in the investigations. Experts in food safety suggest that these families deserve comprehensive investigations into their illnesses.
As parents grapple with the trauma of their infants’ illnesses, they are calling for greater transparency and clarity regarding what safety measures could preclude similar outbreaks in the future. The case serves as a reminder of the critical importance of food safety in infant health.
