Anvisa bans sale of infant formula due to botulism cases in the USA

US health authorities also recalled the product. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration), a North American regulatory agency, is investigating whether this formula is associated with an outbreak of botulism in babies.

At least 15 babies fell ill after drinking the formula in the USA. Parents of two children sued the US court after their babies showed serious symptoms.

After these cases, the company ByHeart recalled its products. Authorities collected the formula for analysis and found the bacteria Clostridium botulinumwhich causes botulism, in at least one can, according to the Associated Press news agency.

In a statement, the company said it “deeply regrets” what happened. ByHeart said the cases of botulism infection “are still under investigation” but that it decided to recall its products “for the safety of the babies” who consume its formulas. “At this time, the most important thing is that all ByHeart products must be discarded. We truly apologize and are committed to doing everything we can to support parents.”

In Brazil, Anvisa says it has not been notified of cases of botulism associated with the product. However, the agency warns that, if parents have purchased the ByHeart formula, do not give the supplement to their children.

Symptoms of botulism take time to appear, according to Anvisa. The agency highlights that symptoms include drooping eyelids, slurred speech (in the case of adults), loss of head control and difficulty swallowing and breathing. In severe cases, the disease can cause generalized muscle paralysis and even death. The immediate application of botulinum antitoxin is crucial to neutralize the toxin in the blood and prevent the progression of paralysis and possible complications.