Note: Product may have been purchased online. For those who read this blog I assume the irony is not lost here.
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) has instructed the trade to suspend the import of all ByHeart brand infant formula following a voluntary recall in the United States due to potential contamination with Clostridium botulinum. The precautionary measure was implemented yesterday (20th November) after the CFS was alerted via its surveillance system.
An investigation by the CFS confirmed that no affected products from the U.S. manufacturer were available for sale in the local market. The recall encompasses all batches and packages of two product lines: ‘ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula’ cans and its ‘Anywhere Pack™’ variant.
Despite the absence of the product in Hong Kong, the CFS has issued a public advisory, urging travellers who may have purchased the formula abroad to immediately cease its use. The centre has been in contact with American authorities regarding the incident and has committed to monitoring the situation closely.
Infant botulism, the illness associated with the bacteria, is a rare but serious condition. It occurs when ingested spores germinate in an infant’s intestines and release a neurotoxin. Early symptoms often include constipation, followed by lethargy, weakened crying, and a loss of head control. While the condition typically requires hospitalisation and can be severe, the fatality rate is below one per cent with appropriate medical care. The CFS continues its follow-up actions on the matter.