Michigan Officials Warn Recalled ByHeart Infant Formula Remains on Store Shelves

LANSING, Mich. — Recalled ByHeart infant formula linked to a multistate outbreak of infant botulism continues to be found for sale in surplus and distressed food sales locations around Michigan, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) reported March 2.

The formula was recalled in November 2025 after epidemiologic and laboratory data determined the product could be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum. The infant botulism outbreak linked to the product sickened and hospitalized 48 infants in 17 different states.

As of Feb. 26, the CDC declared the outbreak to be over.

Distressed food retailers are discount, salvage or outlet stores that sell food items removed from traditional supermarkets due to issues including near-expiration dates, dented cans, damaged packaging or overstock. MDARD reported that recalled formula has been included in liquidation food boxes sold by reclamation food distributors and subsequently is on store shelves for purchase.

“Keeping our infants safe and healthy is paramount,” said Jennifer Bonsky, MDARD Human Food Division director. “Our inspectors have addressed these critical safety issues with specific retailers and distributors where problems have been found. Given there isn't a uniform tracking system for sales and distribution of reclaimed products, MDARD is urging all surplus food, distressed food or food reclamation stores to be extra diligent and ensure these products aren't being taken home by Michigan families.”

In December 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sent warning letters to four major retailers — Target, Walmart, Kroger and Albertsons — for failing to remove recalled ByHeart infant formula from store shelves despite being notified of the recall.

“These warning letters highlight a concerning problem with recall effectiveness at the retail level,” said FDA in a Dec. 15 statement.