The parents of at least two babies sickened in an infantile botulism outbreak are suing the makers of ByHeart baby formula due to a nationwide recall. Stephen and Yurany Dexter from Flagstaff, Arizona, had to airlift their 4-month-old daughter, Rose, to a children’s hospital where she received treatment for several weeks. Similarly, Michael and Hanna Everett from Richmond, Kentucky, reported that their daughter, Piper, was rushed to the hospital with alarming symptoms.
The lawsuits filed in federal courts across two states claim ByHeart's formula was defective, alleging negligence in its sale. The families are seeking damages for medical expenses, emotional distress, and related harms. They expressed disbelief that a product designed for infants could lead to such severe health issues.
California health officials confirmed that a sample from a ByHeart formula can tied to one of the infants contained bacteria known to cause botulism. The federal and state investigations continue following reports of at least 15 infants affected since the outbreak began in August. Both Rose and Piper received critical treatment with BabyBIG, an intravenous medication that counteracts botulism in infants.
Parents had previously opted for ByHeart’s organic formula believing it to be a healthy alternative. However, both babies showed signs of illness shortly after starting the formula. The ongoing concerns surrounding ByHeart’s quality control could lead to more legal actions, with experts warning that the company faces a significant crisis as they navigate these challenges. ByHeart has yet to comment on these specific lawsuits, but assured that they remain focused on providing information about the recall to affected families.
The lawsuits filed in federal courts across two states claim ByHeart's formula was defective, alleging negligence in its sale. The families are seeking damages for medical expenses, emotional distress, and related harms. They expressed disbelief that a product designed for infants could lead to such severe health issues.
California health officials confirmed that a sample from a ByHeart formula can tied to one of the infants contained bacteria known to cause botulism. The federal and state investigations continue following reports of at least 15 infants affected since the outbreak began in August. Both Rose and Piper received critical treatment with BabyBIG, an intravenous medication that counteracts botulism in infants.
Parents had previously opted for ByHeart’s organic formula believing it to be a healthy alternative. However, both babies showed signs of illness shortly after starting the formula. The ongoing concerns surrounding ByHeart’s quality control could lead to more legal actions, with experts warning that the company faces a significant crisis as they navigate these challenges. ByHeart has yet to comment on these specific lawsuits, but assured that they remain focused on providing information about the recall to affected families.
