More families sue infant formula maker ByHeart over botulism outbreak

In lawsuits against infant formula maker ByHeart, families allege that their babies contracted botulism from its contaminated products. More than 30 infants have been sickened in the botulism outbreak.

At least four families have sued infant formula maker ByHeart saying their babies contracted botulism from contaminated formula, as the company faces ongoing scrutiny from federal investigators and a separate class action lawsuit filed last week.

In the lawsuits, affected families described harrowing days or weeks in the hospital with their babies, who were placed on IVs and feeding tubes. Many said they had chosen ByHeart’s formula because it contained organic whole milk and minimal additives, making it seem like the healthiest option.

The company said in a statement Wednesday that laboratory tests had identified Clostridium botulinum spores in samples of its formula. ByHeart told NBC News that it could not comment on pending litigation and that “the company is focused on the recall and root cause investigation at this time.”

According to the Food and Drug Administration, 31 infants who consumed the formula have suspected or confirmed botulism. The cases span 15 states, and all have required hospitalization. No deaths have been reported.

ByHeart recalls infant formula sold nationwide due to serious health risks02:03The bacteria that causes botulism can grow in foods that aren’t properly canned or preserved, and it produces a toxin that attacks the nerves. The resulting illness can cause difficulty breathing, muscle paralysis or death.