S.C. Dept. of Agriculture warns against potentially contaminated infant formula

Following notice from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that a recalled infant formula is still being found for sale around the country, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture is urging retailers, food banks and food surplus outlets to check their facilities for the product.

All batches of ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula were recalled last fall due to potential contamination by Clostridium botulinum. Twenty-eight confirmed cases and 20 probable cases of infant botulism, a serious bacterial illness, were linked to the product.

Despite the recall, regulators in other states have recently found the product on shelves at surplus and distressed food sellers, including discount, salvage, or outlet stores.

Any retailer or distributor that finds either the recalled ByHeart formula or outdated infant products as part of their supply should immediately remove and destroy it.

Consumers should also be on the lookout for ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula. If you find the recalled formula in your home, throw it away. If you find it at a store or food bank, please notify the South Carolina Department of Agriculture by sending an email to scdarapidalert@scda.sc.gov.