Ashaan Carter, a 10-month-old boy from Portland, Oregon, is grappling with serious health issues after being diagnosed with infant botulism linked to ByHeart baby formula, which was donated through a program aimed at assisting low-income and homeless families.
His mother, Angel Carter, disclosed that she received a can of ByHeart formula from a caseworker with the Oregon Department of Human Services just days before a nationwide recall was issued. Despite her initial belief that the formula would support her breastfeeding efforts, the situation quickly deteriorated.
Upon consuming the formula, Ashaan exhibited alarming symptoms, including severe constipation and muscle weakness. This led to emergency hospitalization, where doctors attributed his condition to the contaminated formula.
During his stays at Randall Children’s Hospital, Ashaan received treatment with BabyBIG, a medication that provides antibodies to combat the effects of botulism. Despite being discharged initially, his health continued to decline, necessitating further hospitalization and the establishment of a feeding tube.
The incident has drawn attention to the broader implications of food safety in products intended for vulnerable families. Experts have emphasized the devastating impact of relying on donated goods that may not meet safety standards.
ByHeart has acknowledged the distribution of nearly 24,000 cans of formula since its introduction, which were aimed at assisting families in need. However, subsequent recalls due to potential contamination have raised significant concerns about the adequacy of oversight in food production.
As of now, Ashaan is still on a feeding tube and struggling with recovery, showcasing the ongoing challenges faced by families affected by what many fear is a preventable tragedy.
