Nationwide — Ashaan Carter, an African American baby from Portland, Oregon, is still fighting infant botulism after consuming ByHeart formula, which was later recalled nationwide. He remains on a feeding tube and faces a long recovery, relearning basic skills like crawling and talking.
Ashaan, 10 months old, was hospitalized twice after consuming formula donated through a program for families in need. His mother, Angel Carter, had been breastfeeding but needed extra support as her milk supply decreased. In early November, a state case worker gave her ByHeart formula, just days before the nationwide recall.
Soon after using the formula, Ashaan developed severe constipation and muscle weakness. He became so limp that he could not lift his head. He was rushed to the emergency room and then transferred to Randall Children’s Hospital, where doctors diagnosed presumed infant botulism linked to the formula, according to ABC 6.
At the hospital, he received BabyBIG, an IV treatment that stops the infection. He was discharged after nearly two weeks, but his condition worsened in December. He lost weight rapidly, required a new feeding tube, and continues to struggle with weak muscles, relearning basic movements and speech.
The formula Ashaan consumed was part of ByHeart’s “OpenHearted Initiative,” which donated thousands of cans to nonprofits such as PDX Diaper Bank and Baby2Baby. State officials confirmed the distribution of the formula but did not comment on individual cases. ByHeart recalled all products made since March 2022, and FDA inspections of their facilities are ongoing.
Doctors warn of the dangers for vulnerable families who rely on donated baby formula. Legal experts say at least 30 families reported illnesses from the product, and more than a dozen lawsuits have been filed against ByHeart and retailers who sold the formula.