On November 20, the Ministry of Health said that on November 19, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an emergency warning after recording 31 suspected cases and confirming botulinum poisoning in infants related to the use of ByHeart Whole Nutrition formula. What is worrying is that this product has been licensed for circulation and appeared on a number of e-commerce platforms in Vietnam.
botulinum poisoning is a rare but especially serious disease that can cause death. Symptoms in infants may include: choking or difficulty feeding; constipation; poor feeding or weak feeding; collapsed eyelids, reduced facial expression; crying weakly; inability to lift the head, weak muscles or weak stools (especially the upper half of the body and arms and legs); difficulty grasping or grasping objects.
Advice for parents and caregivers:
- If you have purchased the product, stop using it immediately.
- It is necessary to pay attention and take the child to the nearest medical facility if the child has symptoms.
- Wash items and surfaces that come into contact with the formula with hot soap or dishwasher.
botulinum poisoning cases are rare but not new. Previously, Vietnam also had many people poisoned by botulinum in pate Minh Chay. Recently, there have been a number of cases of poisoning due to Clostridium botulinum toxin, causing many people to be hospitalized and there have been deaths. The Food Safety Department (Ministry of Health) has requested the Departments of Health to implement: Strengthen communication on food safety and how to prevent botulinum poisoning; guide the processing and preservation of safe food, especially traditional dishes according to practice.
Strictly follow the production process: use safe, hygienic ingredients, strictly disinfect in the production of canned goods; do not use expired, bloated, deformed, discolored or self-packed and store for a long time in non-ice-freezing conditions.
Organize emergency care, prompt treatment, investigate the cause of poisoning and publicize the results to warn the community; consult with hospitals when necessary.
Prepare forces, equipment and response plans to promptly handle and minimize the impact when poisoning occurs.
