FDA Still Does Not Know the Cause of Baby Botulism

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) did not find the cause of a baby botulism outbreak. 48 babies got sick. They went to the hospital. The babies were from 17 different states. The babies ate formula from ByHeart. The formula had Clostridium botulinum bacteria. These bacteria make a toxin. The toxin makes babies weak. Some babies will still need time to get better. The outbreak started in early November. It ended on February 26. The FDA found the bacteria in the formula. The bacteria came from powdered whole milk. Dairy Farmers of America made the powdered milk. They used milk from Organic West. Organic West sold the powder to ByHeart. But the FDA did not learn how the bacteria got into the milk. The agency said the investigation is ongoing. Three companies blamed each other. ByHeart said the FDA found no problems at their facility. Dairy Farmers of America said their processing passed all tests. Organic West said nothing is proven. A lawyer named Bill Marler works with 25 families. He said the FDA report is underwhelming. He said ByHeart is responsible. He wrote that the product has ByHeart's name on the can. ByHeart will work with a lab to develop better tests for the bacteria. The FDA will continue to look for the cause.