ByHeart Infant Botulism Outbreak Exposes Dangerous Gaps in Formula Safety Oversight

The recent outbreak of infant botulism tied to ByHeart powdered baby formula, which has left 48 infants seriously ill, underscores a disturbing lapse in the nation’s food safety and regulatory systems. Since mid-December, no new cases have been reported, but the damage to affected families—and the lessons for America’s food supply chain—remain painfully clear. Why did it take months for authorities to respond effectively? And how could a product marketed with “next-to-breast milk benefits” have become contaminated with deadly botulinum bacteria spores? These questions highlight a troubling regulatory vacuum where corporate marketing promises outpaced rigorous safety inspection. How Could This...