FDA Warns Major Retailers After Recalled Baby Formula Was Still Sold to Parents

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued warning letters to several major national retailers after discovering they continued selling recalled baby formula linked to a serious bacterial illness in infants.

Why FDA Issued Warning Letters To Major Retailers

According to the FDA, Walmart, Target, and Kroger kept recalled ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula on store shelves even after being notified of the recall in November. The warning letters, dated December 12, state that the products were still available for purchase weeks after the recall began.

What Infant Botulism Is And Why It Is So Dangerous

The formula is connected to a nationwide outbreak of infant botulism, a rare but potentially life-threatening illness caused when babies ingest spores of the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. Because infants have immature digestive systems, the bacteria can grow and produce toxins. Symptoms can include constipation, poor feeding, loss of head control, trouble swallowing, and, in severe cases, breathing problems.

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How Widespread The Baby Formula Outbreak Has Become

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 51 infants across 19 states have become ill during the outbreak. The affected babies ranged in age from just two weeks old to nearly nine months, according to the CDC.

ByHeart initially recalled specific lots of its formula, then expanded the recall just days later to include all of its infant formula products. That recall covered both traditional cans and single-serve stick packs.

Why Recalled Formula Remained On Store Shelves

Despite that, the FDA says recalled products were found at Walmart locations in 21 states and Target stores in 20 states. In one case, Target was reportedly offering a discount on the recalled formula days after the recall notice.

Store employees reportedly cited confusion, lack of awareness, and failure to remove all affected products as reasons the formula remained on shelves.

What Parents And Caregivers Should Do Right Now

The FDA has given the retailers 15 working days to explain how they plan to prevent similar failures in the future. The agency also warned that continued violations could lead to legal action, including product seizures.

Parents and caregivers are urged to check formula products carefully and follow recall guidance issued by the FDA and CDC.