A young boy in Portland, Oregon, continues to battle infant botulism after consuming contaminated ByHeart baby formula donated through a program that aims to help poor and homeless families. Ashaan Carter, now 10 months old, was hospitalized twice and remains on a feeding tube due to the severe infection.
His mother, Angel Carter, received a can of ByHeart formula from a case worker with the Oregon Department of Human Services in early November, days before a nationwide recall of the product. The formula was given to her as an alternative to breast milk, which she had been struggling to produce due to waning milk supply.
However, Ashaan soon developed severe constipation and muscle weakness after consuming the formula, becoming so limp that he couldn't move his head. He was treated with BabyBIG, an IV medication that provides antibodies to the infection to stop its progress.
Despite treatment, Ashaan's health rapidly declined, including dramatic weight loss, and he was hospitalized again in December. His mother reported that he had become "just withering away" due to the severity of his condition.
The Oregon caseworker who provided the formula had texted Angel Carter after the recall, warning her to stop using it. However, it was too late for Ashaan, who required a feeding tube replacement in his throat due to muscle weakness and has been forced to relearn how to crawl and talk.
Experts are expressing outrage over the situation, with Dr. Sylvia Peterson-Perry stating that "it's devastating, especially for our vulnerable families who trust this product to nourish their child." The case highlights concerns about the lack of oversight and regulation in the distribution of infant formula through non-profit programs.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported no new cases of infant botulism tied to the outbreak since December 17, but production remains shut down at ByHeart plants. At least 18 lawsuits have been filed against ByHeart and stores that sold the contaminated formula, with Seattle food safety lawyer Bill Marler representing over 30 families whose babies were affected.
The incident has raised questions about the accountability of companies like ByHeart and social services agencies that distribute infant formula to vulnerable populations.
His mother, Angel Carter, received a can of ByHeart formula from a case worker with the Oregon Department of Human Services in early November, days before a nationwide recall of the product. The formula was given to her as an alternative to breast milk, which she had been struggling to produce due to waning milk supply.
However, Ashaan soon developed severe constipation and muscle weakness after consuming the formula, becoming so limp that he couldn't move his head. He was treated with BabyBIG, an IV medication that provides antibodies to the infection to stop its progress.
Despite treatment, Ashaan's health rapidly declined, including dramatic weight loss, and he was hospitalized again in December. His mother reported that he had become "just withering away" due to the severity of his condition.
The Oregon caseworker who provided the formula had texted Angel Carter after the recall, warning her to stop using it. However, it was too late for Ashaan, who required a feeding tube replacement in his throat due to muscle weakness and has been forced to relearn how to crawl and talk.
Experts are expressing outrage over the situation, with Dr. Sylvia Peterson-Perry stating that "it's devastating, especially for our vulnerable families who trust this product to nourish their child." The case highlights concerns about the lack of oversight and regulation in the distribution of infant formula through non-profit programs.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported no new cases of infant botulism tied to the outbreak since December 17, but production remains shut down at ByHeart plants. At least 18 lawsuits have been filed against ByHeart and stores that sold the contaminated formula, with Seattle food safety lawyer Bill Marler representing over 30 families whose babies were affected.
The incident has raised questions about the accountability of companies like ByHeart and social services agencies that distribute infant formula to vulnerable populations.
this is so messed up...can you even imagine having to give your kid tainted formula just because they needed it? I mean, I know Angel Carter was struggling with low milk supply and all, but come on! ByHeart should've been more careful 
. Infant botulism is no joke, especially for tiny babies like Ashaan 
. And now he's gotta deal with a feeding tube replacement, crawling relearning...it's just heartbreaking 
. I'm so angry that the Oregon caseworker didn't warn her sooner about the recall 
. This whole thing just highlights how important it is to have proper regulations in place for these kinds of programs 
. Companies and social services gotta be held accountable for putting kids' lives at risk 
.
this is just heartbreaking what happened to Ashaan & his mom its such a tragedy how could they not know the formula was contaminated 
and what's even worse is that she relied on it bc her milk supply was waning i feel so bad for her 
ashans condition sounds like its been really rough from constipation to muscle weakness to almost dying 
. These non-profit programs are supposed to help out families in need, not put their kids' lives at risk. I feel so bad for Ashaan and his mom, Angel - it's just heartbreaking 
. The fact that the caseworker knew about the recall but still gave them the formula is just wrong 
.
The fact that ByHeart didn't even have an effective quality control system in place is just unacceptable. 
Companies need to take responsibility for their actions and make sure that people like Ashaan don't get hurt because of it. 
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. It makes me think about how important it is to be aware of our surroundings and to not take things at face value. And also, it highlights the need for better regulation and oversight in these types of programs. It's a tough lesson to learn, but I guess we can all just try to be more mindful and look out for each other 
I mean, I get that mistakes happen but it's just so avoidable. ByHeart needs to do way more than just shut down production for a bit 
. It makes me wanna cry thinking about those poor families who trust these non-profits & companies with their kids' lives. The CDC's slow response is also worrying, especially when you consider how many are affected... it's like they're not doing enough to stop the spread of this formula 
also i wonder what the CDC is doing to investigate this further? are they looking into how the formula got contaminated in the first place? 
It's time for change, and it starts with better oversight and accountability. 
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. And the lack of oversight is just unacceptable... I mean, come on CDC, you're supposed to monitor these things! 
yet Ashaan still got sick. this whole situation just reeks of neglect and incompetence