Portland infant’s botulism case intensifies scrutiny of recalled formula distributed through charitable donation networks

A Portland hospitalization highlights broader nationwide investigation

A Portland infant remains in recovery after developing infant botulism following exposure to powdered infant formula later swept up in a nationwide recall. The case has focused renewed attention on how recalled products move through both retail and charitable distribution channels, including donations intended for families facing housing or food insecurity.

The child, now 10 months old, was hospitalized twice and continues to require significant medical support, including tube feeding, after developing symptoms consistent with infant botulism shortly after consuming the formula in early November 2025. Infant botulism is a rare but serious illness that can cause progressive weakness, feeding difficulty and loss of muscle tone.

What the recall covers and why it expanded

ByHeart initially recalled two lots of its Whole Nutrition Infant Formula on Nov. 8, 2025. The recall expanded on Nov. 11, 2025, to include all ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula products, including cans and single-serve packets, as the investigation broadened and officials warned contamination could extend beyond the original lots.

Federal health authorities later expanded the outbreak case definition to include any infant botulism case with exposure to the brand at any time since the product’s release in March 2022, allowing investigators to look back for earlier illnesses that may fit the pattern.

Scope of the outbreak and treatment

As of mid-December 2025, the multi-state investigation had identified 51 suspected or confirmed infant botulism cases connected to exposure to the formula across 19 states. All identified infants were hospitalized and treated with BabyBIG, an antitoxin used to neutralize botulism toxin in infants. No deaths were reported in the investigation updates reviewed by portland.news.

Donation programs complicate notifications and retrieval

The Portland case also underscores the added complexity of retrieving recalled product when it has been distributed outside conventional retail channels. Donation-based distribution can accelerate access to essential infant nutrition for families in crisis, but it may also make it harder to quickly identify recipients and ensure all product is removed from use.

Public health guidance for families

• Stop using any ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula, regardless of lot number or packaging type.
• Label remaining product “Do Not Use” and store it securely for at least a month in case testing is needed.
• Wash bottles, scoops and surfaces that may have contacted the powder using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher.
• Seek urgent medical care if an infant develops progressive symptoms such as poor feeding, weak cry, constipation, loss of head control, difficulty swallowing or decreased facial expression.

Infant botulism symptoms can develop gradually, and severe cases can require prolonged recovery and supportive care.

The investigation into the contamination source, as well as recall effectiveness in removing product from circulation, remained active through the most recent federal updates reviewed.