Ohio Officials Urge Stop to ByHeart Infant Formula Use

On November 19, 2025, the Wayne County Health Department and multiple Ohio public health agencies issued a statewide advisory urging caregivers to discontinue use of all ByHeart infant formula products following a voluntary recall connected to suspected cases of infant botulism. State officials reported four suspected cases in Ohio with onset since November 8, prompting an abundance of caution and coordinated public health messaging.

Infant botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by toxins produced by bacteria that can affect infants who ingest contaminated food. The advisory listed warning signs that require urgent medical evaluation. Caregivers were told to seek immediate care if an infant who consumed the product develops constipation, poor feeding, loss of head control, difficulty swallowing, or decreased facial expression. Health departments across Ohio emphasized the need for rapid medical attention because early treatment can be critical.

The advisory referenced federal monitoring information and directed families to consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration outbreak pages for the latest details about the recall and investigation. It also asked families with questions to contact their local health departments for personalized guidance. The voluntary recall by ByHeart remains the central action under review as state and federal agencies investigate links between the product and the suspected cases.

For Holmes County residents, the advisory carries immediate implications. Families who have any ByHeart formula in their homes should stop using it and check packaging to confirm brand and lot information. Caregivers unsure whether a product was affected should contact the Holmes County Health Department or the Ohio Department of Health for assistance, and consult their pediatrician or local urgent care if infants show any of the symptoms described by public health officials.

Local health officials stressed the seriousness of infant botulism and the importance of vigilance. While cases are relatively uncommon, the potential severity for affected infants makes prompt reporting and medical assessment essential. Health departments will continue to update guidance as the investigation proceeds and as federal agencies release additional information.

Holmes County families seeking more information should reach out to their local health department or the Ohio Department of Health and review the CDC and FDA outbreak pages for current updates. Public health authorities advised staying alert to symptoms and acting quickly to protect infants who may have been exposed.