FDA Warns Walmart, Target for Selling Recalled Baby Formula Linked to Infant Illness

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warning letters to four major national retailers Walmart, Target, Kroger, and Albertsons for continuing to sell ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula after the product was recalled due to a link to infant botulism.

The FDA letters, dated December 12, state that the retailers kept the recalled formula on shelves even after being notified of the recall in November.

Walmart was found with recalled products in stores across 21 states. Target had the formula in stores across 20 states, and in Arkansas, was even offering a $2 discount on the recalled product between November 16 and November 22.

Store employees offered various explanations for the continued sale, including a lack of awareness, confusion over which lots were affected, and failure to remove all recalled items.

The illness, infant botulism, is caused by the ingestion of Clostridium botulinum spores, which can produce toxins in the baby's immature digestive system. Symptoms include constipation, poor feeding, loss of head control, difficulty swallowing, and, in severe cases, breathing problems.

As of last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported the outbreak has sickened 51 infants across 19 states, with the affected babies ranging in age from two weeks to nearly nine months.

ByHeart initially recalled certain lots of its formula in November and expanded the recall days later to include all of its infant formula products (both cans and stick packs). The FDA has given the retailers 15 working days to explain the steps they will take to prevent similar violations. Failure to adequately address the issue could lead to legal action, including product seizures.