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- Written by: California Department of Public Health
California’s Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, which developed and provides the only source of infant botulism treatment in the world, noted an increase in infant botulism cases linked to ByHeart powdered infant formula.
State public health officials then alerted the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, of a possible outbreak and is working with other state health departments and the CDC to investigate a multistate outbreak of infant botulism linked to ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula.
Consumers in possession of this product should stop using it immediately.
On Nov. 8, 2025, ByHeart Inc. recalled two lots of Whole Nutrition Infant Formula:
• Lot: 206VABP/251261P2 (“Use by 01 Dec 2026”)
• Lot: 206VABP/251131P2 (“Use by 01 Dec 2026”)
According to the company’s website, ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula was sold through their website ByHeart.com and through retail stores nationwide, including Amazon, Kroger, Walmart, Whole Foods, Target, SamsClub.com and others.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula makes up less than 1 percent of all infant formula sales in the United States and this outbreak does not create infant formula shortage concerns for parents and caregivers.
Public Health investigation
CDPH has tested a can of powdered infant formula that was fed to an infant with infant botulism. Preliminary results suggest the presence of the bacteria that produce botulinum toxin, consistent with the same toxin reported in the confirmed infant cases.
CDC, CDPH and other state health departments are investigating 13 suspected or confirmed infant botulism cases linked to ByHeart powdered infant formula across 10 states. The affected infants had become ill starting in August 2025.
Eight of those cases have since been confirmed as toxin type A botulism, with tests pending for the other cases. The investigation into lots of ByHeart powdered infant formula and potential sources of botulism in infants is ongoing.
What parents of infants need to know
“Infant Botulism is a very rare disease that occurs when babies inhale or swallow spores of the toxin-producing bacteria that cause infant botulism, which leads to progressive muscle weakness including trouble breathing if not treated in time.” said Dr. Erica Pan, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer. “We have tested a sample of the specific powdered infant formula linked with these cases and preliminary tests are positive. We are urging parents to stop using ByHeart formula immediately.”
Parents should report any weakness, difficulty swallowing, or other signs of infant botulism in their infants to healthcare providers immediately.
Healthcare providers should report suspected cases of infant botulism to their local health department immediately to facilitate investigation, testing and timely treatment if indicated.
If parents note symptoms after an infant has consumed formula, they should record the information on the package including brand and lot number, if still available.
Do not discard the product prior to checking with your local health department.
Typical signs and symptoms of Infant botulism often begin with:
• Constipation;
• Difficulty feeding (sucking and swallowing);
• Poor head control;
• A weak and altered cry;
• Diminished facial expression;
• Other signs of muscle weakness.
What CDPH is doing to protect Californians
CDPH is working closely with the CDC, FDA, and other state health departments to identify and track cases of infant botulism, as well as test suspected products in California at the state’s public health lab.
The antitoxin BabyBIG is the only FDA-approved treatment for infant botulism. CDPH led the development of BabyBIG in the 1990’s, securing FDA approval to produce the life-saving drug in 2003, and remains the only source of BabyBIG in the world. BabyBIG has been shown to reduce the length of hospital stays and treatment costs for infants with botulism and remains the standard first-line therapy for infant botulism.
Physicians with a suspected case of infant botulism may reach California’s Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program at (510) 231-7600 at any time. Parents with concerns or questions about suspected infant botulism should seek medical advice immediately.
Infant botulism
Infant botulism is the form of botulism which results when swallowed spores of a particular bacterium (Clostridium botulinum) colonize a baby's large intestine and produce botulinum toxin in it. Botulinum toxin causes weakness and loss of muscle tone because it blocks the nerve ending's ability to communicate with muscles. If left untreated, the condition can lead to respiratory failure and even death.
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- Written by: California Department of Public Health
The California Department of Public Health, or CDPH, is warning consumers about products containing kratom and 7-hyrdroxymitragynine, commonly known as 7-OH, a potent opioid product derived from the kratom plant.
These products may lead to addiction, serious harm, overdose, and death. Since April 2025, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reported six fatal overdoses linked to 7-OH.
“Although illegal to sell or manufacture, we are still finding kratom and 7-OH products for sale in gas stations, smoke shops, online and other retailers. While these products are sometimes marketed as natural remedies, they are dangerous and can result in fatal overdoses,” said Dr. Erica Pan, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer. “The best way to protect yourself is to avoid using 7-OH and kratom-related products."
Neither kratom nor 7-OH can lawfully be marketed in the United States as a drug product, dietary supplement or food additive.
Claims that kratom and 7-OH products can treat pain, anxiety and opioid withdrawal are unproven. Side effects of kratom and 7-OH include withdrawal symptoms, insomnia and anxiety, seizures and fatal respiratory depression.
What CDPH is doing to protect Californians
CDPH has been conducting investigative work associated with kratom for many years and continues to take action to remove products or raw materials containing kratom or 7-OH from retail facilities selling to consumers and from manufacturing locations.
Once these products are identified during an investigation, they are embargoed or destroyed.
What you can do to protect yourself:
• Avoid buying or consuming products with kratom or 7-OH. Many kratom or 7-OH products are designed to look like candies, treats or “healthy” products. Kratom and 7-OH products are typically sold as beverages, shots, powders, tablets, capsules and gummies. Examine the packaging and label so you do not accidentally buy or consume kratom or 7-OH.
• Carry naloxone. Naloxone is a life-saving medication used to reverse an opioid overdose, including overdose related to heroin, fentanyl, prescription opioid medications, or 7-OH. Californians can purchase CalRx over-the-counter naloxone HCL for $22.50 per twin pack directly.
• If you or someone else is experiencing any ill effects after consuming kratom or 7-OH products contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or online at www.poisonhelp.org, or consult a health care provider.
• Know the signs of an overdose and how to respond. If someone is unresponsive, administer naloxone and call 911 immediately, keep the person awake and breathing, lay them on their side to prevent choking and stay with the person until 911 responders arrive.
Anyone who finds kratom or 7-OH products for sale for consumption should call the CDPH Complaint Hotline at (800) 495-3232 or submit an electronic report here.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
Sutter Health and Blue Shield of California have agreed to expand their network relationship with a focus on improving health outcomes, enhancing patient experience and improving care for patients with chronic illness.
The new multi-year agreement between the two leading healthcare organizations extends the current one that was set to expire at the end of this year. The early signing of the agreement provides stability and certainty for community members, many who are now considering their health plan options during open enrollment.
This means patients enrolled in Blue Shield’s commercial HMO, EPO and PPO plans will continue to receive in-network care from Sutter’s trusted team of doctors, nurses and clinicians — all part of a connected network dedicated to delivering high-quality, comprehensive care across Northern California and the Greater Central Coast, including Santa Barbara.
“We are taking a more collaborative approach in how we develop relationships and contract with payors — one that’s directly focused on serving our shared patients, members and communities,” said Warner Thomas, president and CEO of Sutter Health. “Through our new process, we successfully reached a timely, comprehensive agreement with Blue Shield that ensures patients keep seamless access to the doctors, clinicians and nurses who care for them, as together we focus on care coordination, quality, affordability and the overall healthcare experience.”
“As a nonprofit health plan, Blue Shield’s top priority is to provide our members access to quality, affordable care. Strong provider-health plan partnerships are critical to achieving that,” said Mike Stuart, president and CEO of Blue Shield of California. “This partnership with Sutter Health demonstrates how collaboration enables health care that works for members and their loved ones.”
The new network relationship also includes collaborations to improve patient experience and health:
• Better health outcomes: The new agreement focuses on recognizing and rewarding excellence in clinical outcomes — ensuring patients receive consistently high-quality care across Sutter Health.
• Enhancing patient experience: Expansion of electronic health record access between Blue Shield and Sutter Health to support better care coordination, minimize delays and elevate the overall healthcare experience for patients.
• Expanding care for chronic conditions: In collaboration with Blue Shield, Sutter is participating in an accountable care organization (ACO) designed to serve HMO and PPO patients managing multiple chronic conditions — aiming to improve care quality and make health care more affordable.
For a full list of Blue Shield plans that include access to Sutter’s doctors, hospitals and services, visit sutterhealth.org/health-plan. Blue Shield members with questions can call the toll-free number on the back of their member ID card for help.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
LAKEPORT, Calif. — Sutter Lakeside Hospital, part of Sutter Health’s not-for-profit integrated healthcare delivery system, announced it has launched infusion services onsite, marking a major step forward in expanding access to advanced cancer care in Lake County.
The launch comes as part of Sutter Health’s Rural Oncology Program in partnership with its Advanced Cancer Services, designed to bring the same innovative treatments and coordinated care available in metropolitan areas to patients in rural communities.
“With these critical cancer services now available right here in our hospital, patients no longer need to travel over the mountain for life-changing treatment,” said Tim Stephens, CEO of Sutter Lakeside Hospital. “This brings high-quality care closer to home for our community and strengthens healthcare access in Lake County.”
Sutter Lakeside Hospital’s new infusion center, located within the hospital, features six treatment bays — two private and four semi-private — and delivers vital cancer therapies, including immunotherapy and other targeted treatments. Chemotherapy services will begin in early 2026.
The newly renovated space provides a calm, comforting environment for patients and is staffed by an advanced practice clinician, or APC, alongside specially trained nurses and pharmacists.
Together, the team offers additional related services such as hydration and transfusions, as infusions can last anywhere from a few hours to most of the day. The goal of these therapies is to help manage or eliminate disease, control symptoms and support patients through their journey.
Previously, Sutter patients in Lake County who needed infusion services traveled 65 miles one way to Sutter Health’s Santa Rosa Oncology and Infusion Clinic, or even farther to Sacramento. In winter, snow and ice made these long drives especially difficult.
With the new infusion center now based locally, patients can receive care within their own community, providing easier and safer access year-round.
Expanding Sutter cancer care in Lake County
Cancer services at Sutter Lakeside Hospital expanded this summer with the arrival of long-time area oncologist Dr. Mark Turrill.
Since his joining, the hospital has been able to care for more patients with cancer. In preparation for the new infusion center, the hospital also introduced 26 new medications and connected patients with Sutter’s Specialty Pharmacy, providing convenient and reliable delivery of outpatient treatments.
Looking ahead, in early 2026, Sutter Lakeside Hospital will continue to expand its cancer care services for patients in collaboration with Sutter Medical Group of the Redwoods, based in Santa Rosa.
“This will bring additional physician expertise and local advanced practice clinician-led care to patients, expand access to virtual visits and inpatient consults, and grow the hospital’s breast cancer program in partnership with Sutter Santa Rosa Oncology,” said Dr. Michael Magnotti, CEO of Sutter Medical Group of the Redwoods.
Shared scheduling and authorization processes across the Sutter system will also further streamline care.
Sutter Health is a recognized leader in cancer care. Each year approximately 17,000 people newly diagnosed with cancer seek care within the Sutter Health system. Its unique model of comprehensive, integrated and connected care is driven by expert teams, innovative technologies and pioneering research.
“By expanding cancer services in Lake County, Sutter Lakeside is helping support our rural patients to benefit from that same depth of expertise, right in their own community,” said Dr. Amanda Wheeler, chair of Sutter’s Cancer Services. “We’re redefining cancer care from prevention to survivorship, today and for the future.”