Families Sue ByHeart Over Infantile Botulism Outbreak
Introduction to the Lawsuits
The parents of at least two babies sickened in an infantile botulism outbreak are suing the makers of the ByHeart baby formula at the heart of a nationwide recall. Stephen and Yurany Dexter, of Flagstaff, Arizona, said their 4-month-old daughter, Rose, had to be flown by air ambulance to a children’s hospital two hours from home and treated for several weeks this summer. Michael and Hanna Everett, of Richmond, Kentucky, said their daughter, Piper, also 4 months, was rushed to a hospital Nov. 8 with worsening symptoms of the rare and potentially deadly disease.
Background on the Outbreak
The lawsuits, filed in federal courts in two states, allege that the ByHeart formula the babies consumed was defective and that the company was negligent in selling it. They seek financial payment for medical bills, emotional distress and other harm. Both families said they bought the organic formula to provide what they viewed as a natural, healthier alternative to traditional baby formulas, and that they were shocked and angered by the suffering their children endured.
By JONEL ALECCIA, AP Health Writer
The parents of at least two babies sickened in an infantile botulism outbreak are suing the makers of the ByHeart baby formula at the heart of a nationwide recall.
Stephen and Yurany Dexter, of Flagstaff, Arizona, said their 4-month-old daughter, Rose, had to be flown by air ambulance to a children’s hospital two hours from home and treated for several weeks this summer.
Michael and Hanna Everett, of Richmond, Kentucky, said their daughter, Piper, also 4 months, was rushed to a hospital Nov. 8 with worsening symptoms of the rare and potentially deadly disease.
The Impact on Families
“I wouldn’t guess that a product designed for a helpless, developing human in the United States could cause something this severe,” said Stephen Dexter, 44.
“She’s so little and you’re just helplessly watching this,” said Hanna Everett, 28. “It was awful.”
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This photo provided by Hanna Everett shows 4-month-old Piper Everett being treated for infantile botulism on Nov. 10, 2025, in a Kentucky hospital. (Hanna Everett via AP)
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## Outbreak Details
### Timeline of the Outbreak
The outbreak began in August, with Rose Dexter and Piper Everett among at least 15 infants in a dozen states who have been sickened, according to federal and state health officials. No deaths have been reported. Both received the sole treatment available for botulism in children less than a year old: an IV medication called BabyBIG, made from the blood plasma of people immunized against the neurotoxins that cause the illness.
### Investigation and Recall
Investigations into more potential botulism cases are pending after ByHeart, the New York-based formula manufacturer, recalled all of its formula nationwide on Tuesday. At least 84 U.S. babies have been treated for infantile botulism since August, including those in the outbreak, California officials said. The company sells about 200,000 cans of formula per month. It can take up to 30 days for signs of infantile botulism infection to appear, medical experts said.
## Parents’ Concerns and Actions
### Fretting as Babies Grew Sicker
In Rose Dexter’s case, she received ByHeart formula within days of her birth in July after breast milk was insufficient, her father said. Stephen Dexter said he went to Whole Foods to find a “natural option.” “I’m a little concerned with things that are in food that may cause problems,” he said. “We do our best to buy something that says it’s organic.” But Rose, who was healthy at birth, didn’t thrive on the formula. She had trouble feeding and was fussy and fretful as she got sicker. On Aug. 31, when she was 8 weeks old, her parents couldn’t wake her.
## Conclusion
The lawsuits filed against ByHeart could be the first of many legal actions against the company, as more families come forward with similar experiences. The outbreak has raised concerns about the safety of infant formula and the need for stricter regulations to protect vulnerable populations. As the investigation continues, it is essential for parents to remain vigilant and aware of the potential risks associated with infant formula.
## FAQs
– **Q: What is infantile botulism?**
– A: Infantile botulism is a rare but potentially deadly disease caused by a neurotoxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum.
– **Q: What are the symptoms of infantile botulism?**
– A: Symptoms include difficulty feeding, lethargy, weak cry, and poor muscle tone.
– **Q: How is infantile botulism treated?**
– A: The sole treatment available for botulism in children less than a year old is an IV medication called BabyBIG.
– **Q: What should parents do if they suspect their child has infantile botulism?**
– A: Parents should seek immediate medical attention if they notice any symptoms of infantile botulism in their child.
– **Q: Is ByHeart formula safe to use?**
– A: ByHeart has recalled all of its formula nationwide due to the risk of infantile botulism. Parents should not use any recalled formula and consult with their healthcare provider for alternative options.
