The Ministry of Health (MoH) has issued a critical advisory to parents regarding an international recall of ByHeart Whole Nutrition baby formula, which has been linked to multiple cases of infant botulism. While the product is not officially listed for sale in Trinidad and Tobago, the ministry is urging caution as consumers may have purchased it online. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the contaminated formula has caused severe health issues in infants. Symptoms of infant botulism include poor feeding, loss of head control, difficulty swallowing, and decreased facial expression. Parents are advised to seek immediate medical attention if their child exhibits any of these symptoms after consuming the formula. The ministry emphasized that symptoms may take several weeks to manifest, urging continued vigilance. Additionally, the public is advised to discontinue use of the product, consult a physician if adverse effects are observed, and return the product to the point of purchase where possible. For further information, individuals can contact the Chemistry Food and Drug Division at (868) 217-4664 Ext. 13121.
