In a distressing incident underscoring the challenges facing vulnerable families, 10-month-old Ashaan Carter from Portland, Oregon, has been struggling with severe health complications after consuming contaminated ByHeart baby formula. His case highlights significant concerns regarding food safety and support provided to families relying on charitable donations.
Ashaan was hospitalized twice due to life-threatening infant botulism, a dangerous infection impacting over 50 infants across the U.S. His mother, Angel Carter, received the formula from an Oregon Department of Human Services caseworker shortly before a nationwide recall was issued. Initially, she believed the formula, labeled as similar to breast milk, would help supplement her dwindling milk supply.
I accepted it thinking, 'OK, I’m hoping my baby can get on a bottle,' said Carter, expressing her despair over the series of health battles that have followed. Shortly after consuming the formula, Ashaan exhibited alarming symptoms, including severe constipation and profound muscle weakness. Doctors at Randall Children’s Hospital diagnosed him with presumed infant botulism linked to the ByHeart product.
Despite undergoing treatment with BabyBIG, which provides antibodies to counteract the infection, Ashaan faced significant health setbacks, including weight loss and the urgent need for a feeding tube due to weakened muscles. The reliance on donated food, while a vital resource for low-income families, now raises larger questions about ensuring the safety and efficacy of such products.
The distributed ByHeart formula was part of the company’s initiative to support needy families, but nearly 24,000 cans have been pulled back after contamination concerns were raised. As investigations continue, more than 30 families are pursuing legal action against ByHeart and the retailers involved. Experts argue that robust food safety protocols must be enforced to safeguard the well-being of the most vulnerable in our society.
Ashaan was hospitalized twice due to life-threatening infant botulism, a dangerous infection impacting over 50 infants across the U.S. His mother, Angel Carter, received the formula from an Oregon Department of Human Services caseworker shortly before a nationwide recall was issued. Initially, she believed the formula, labeled as similar to breast milk, would help supplement her dwindling milk supply.
I accepted it thinking, 'OK, I’m hoping my baby can get on a bottle,' said Carter, expressing her despair over the series of health battles that have followed. Shortly after consuming the formula, Ashaan exhibited alarming symptoms, including severe constipation and profound muscle weakness. Doctors at Randall Children’s Hospital diagnosed him with presumed infant botulism linked to the ByHeart product.
Despite undergoing treatment with BabyBIG, which provides antibodies to counteract the infection, Ashaan faced significant health setbacks, including weight loss and the urgent need for a feeding tube due to weakened muscles. The reliance on donated food, while a vital resource for low-income families, now raises larger questions about ensuring the safety and efficacy of such products.
The distributed ByHeart formula was part of the company’s initiative to support needy families, but nearly 24,000 cans have been pulled back after contamination concerns were raised. As investigations continue, more than 30 families are pursuing legal action against ByHeart and the retailers involved. Experts argue that robust food safety protocols must be enforced to safeguard the well-being of the most vulnerable in our society.
