As infant botulism cases climb to 31, recalled ByHeart baby formula is still on some store shelves

"The lab results come as investigators in at least three states found ByHeart formula still for sale even after the New York-based company recalled all products nationwide, officials told The Associated Press. At least 31 babies in 15 states who drank ByHeart formula have been hospitalized and treated for infantile botulism since August, federal health officials said Wednesday. They range in age from about 2 weeks to about 6 months, with the most recent case reported on Nov. 13. No deaths have been reported."

"Tests by an independent food safety laboratory found Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that produces toxins that can lead to potentially life threatening illness in babies younger than 1, the company said on its website. ByHeart officials said they notified the U.S. Food and Drug Administration of the findings but did not specify how many samples were tested or how many were positive."

Laboratory tests confirmed some samples of ByHeart infant formula contained Clostridium botulinum, a toxin-producing bacterium that can cause infantile botulism. ByHeart notified the U.S. Food and Drug Administration but did not disclose how many samples were tested or positive. The company recalled all products nationwide and said it is investigating, conducting ongoing testing, and working to prevent recurrence. Federal health officials reported at least 31 babies in 15 states hospitalized and treated since August, ages about 2 weeks to 6 months; the most recent case was reported Nov. 13 and no deaths have been reported. State inspections found recalled formula still available in some stores.

Read at ABC7 Los Angeles