The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (November 20) said that, in view of the latest announcement by the manufacturer of ByHeart powdered infant formula yesterday (November 19) that Clostridium botulinum was found in unopened cans of ByHeart powdered infant formula, while no affected products were available for sale in Hong Kong, the CFS has immediately implemented precautionary measures and instructed the trade to suspend import of the relevant ByHeart powdered infant formula. 

     The CFS, through its Food Incident Surveillance System, noted notices issued by the Food and Drug Administration of the United State (US) earlier that ByHeart powdered infant formula is being voluntarily recalled due to possible contamination with Clostridium botulinum. Upon learning of the incident, the CFS immediately followed up with major local importers and retailers. Investigation found that the affected products had not been put on sale in Hong Kong. Earlier the CFS has also published food incident post to remind the public and the trade.

     Product details of the affected powdered infant formula are as follows:
     
Product names:
(1) ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula cans
(2) ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula Anywhere Pack™
Brand: ByHeart
Place of origin: US
Batch: All batches and packages

     The spokesman said, "Although the US manufacturer concerned has initiated a recall of the affected products, for the sake of prudence, the CFS urges travellers to immediately stop consuming the affected products if they have bought any of them."

     Infant botulism is caused by the ingestion of the Clostridium botulinum spores that germinate and grow in the intestine of infants and release toxin. A very small amount of toxin can cause illness. The onset of symptoms generally follows a period of normal development. Early symptom is constipation, followed by poor feeding, lethargy, weakness, pooled oral secretions, and wail or altered cry. Loss of head control is striking. Infant botulism ranges from mild illness with gradual onset to sudden infant death. While most cases require hospitalisation, fatal cases are rare (case fatality rate less than 1 per cent).

     "The CFS has contacted the US authorities over the incident and will continue to closely monitor information issued by the relevant authorities and take appropriate action. Follow-up work is ongoing," the spokesman said.

Ends/Thursday, November 20, 2025
Issued at HKT 22:37

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