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Botulism outbreak linked to infant formula spreads to Mass.

Parents and caregivers should look out for symptoms of infant botulism like constipation, trouble feeding, and loss of head control.

December 5, 2025

2 minutes to read

A national outbreak of infant botulism spread to Massachusetts last week.

The outbreak has been ongoing since early August. Officials at the CDC provided an update on Nov. 26, saying that six new cases were detected in two new states, including in Massachusetts.

Infant formula made by ByHeart has been linked to a growing outbreak of botulism. *– ByHeart via AP*

Two infants in the state have been infected, according to the CDC. Officials did not provide specific information about where the sick infants live in the state.

The botulism outbreak is linked to infant formula made by ByHeart. The company recalled all of its powdered Whole Nutrition Infant Formula, which is sold nationwide. Customers are being urged to throw away their ByHeart formula or return it to the store where it was purchased. Before disposing of the formula, people should record the lot numbers printed on the bottom of the formula cans.

All told, 39 infants around the country have fallen ill as of Wednesday. There has been one reported case in Maine and another in Rhode Island. The state with the most cases is Texas, with eight. No other state has more than five cases, but laboratory confirmation for some suspected cases is ongoing, according to the CDC.

The first case in the current outbreak was reported on Aug. 10. Two more cases came later that month, with a few more popping up in September. Cases became more frequent starting in mid-October, and spiked in November, according to data from the CDC.

All 39 infected infants were hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported.

Botulism occurs when humans ingest a toxin that attacks their nerves. The toxin is made by bacteria that can be found in wounds and food. The bacteria is found naturally in lots of places, and it is rare for it to make people sick. But under certain conditions, spores made by the bacteria can grow and produce lethal toxins.

Infant botulism occurs when infants swallow these spores, which can grow in their gut. Symptoms can take between a few days and several weeks to appear. Constipation is usually the first symptom to develop, but can be easily overlooked. Eventually, infants with botulism may exhibit trouble feeding, a loss of head control, a weak or altered cry, and decreased facial expression. People caring for infants should look for signs of muscle weakness.

Infants who consumed the recalled ByHeart formula should be monitored closely for symptoms for 30 days after ingesting it. There is no test or treatment recommended for infants that may have botulism but have not shown symptoms.