Ashaan Carter, a 10-month-old boy from Portland, Oregon, is in a fight for his life after developing infant botulism linked to a contaminated baby formula provided to low-income families. His mother, Angel Carter, reluctantly accepted the ByHeart formula from a state case worker, believing it to be a safe alternative as she struggled with a declining breast milk supply. However, shortly after consuming the formula, Ashaan exhibited severe symptoms—severe constipation and muscle weakness—leading to his hospitalization.
Doctors at Randall Children’s Hospital diagnosed him with presumed infant botulism following his admission. Despite initial treatment, Ashaan's health worsened, requiring hospitalization for a second time when his weight plummeted unexpectedly. Angel expressed her heartbreak as Ashaan battled the debilitating effects of the illness, which has rendered him reliant on a feeding tube.
Reports indicate that the ByHeart formula has been recalled following multiple cases of illness among infants across the U.S., with state officials acknowledging that it was distributed by nonprofit organizations engaged in feeding programs. Since June 2022, over 24,000 cans have been reportedly given away to families in need, raising serious concerns about safety standards and oversight in baby food products.
The scandal surrounding the ByHeart formula has led to at least 18 lawsuits against the company, as an attorney representing affected families seeks consolidation of the cases in court. Advocacy for better regulations in infant food production is growing, as health care professionals stress that vulnerable families should not have to worry about formula safety when trying to nourish their infants.
Doctors at Randall Children’s Hospital diagnosed him with presumed infant botulism following his admission. Despite initial treatment, Ashaan's health worsened, requiring hospitalization for a second time when his weight plummeted unexpectedly. Angel expressed her heartbreak as Ashaan battled the debilitating effects of the illness, which has rendered him reliant on a feeding tube.
Reports indicate that the ByHeart formula has been recalled following multiple cases of illness among infants across the U.S., with state officials acknowledging that it was distributed by nonprofit organizations engaged in feeding programs. Since June 2022, over 24,000 cans have been reportedly given away to families in need, raising serious concerns about safety standards and oversight in baby food products.
The scandal surrounding the ByHeart formula has led to at least 18 lawsuits against the company, as an attorney representing affected families seeks consolidation of the cases in court. Advocacy for better regulations in infant food production is growing, as health care professionals stress that vulnerable families should not have to worry about formula safety when trying to nourish their infants.
