An Oregon family is facing a long and painful recovery journey after a donated baby formula led to a life-threatening illness, highlighting serious concerns about how recalled products can still reach vulnerable households. The case centers on Oregon baby remains hospitalized with infant botulism linked to ByHeart formula, a situation that has shaken parents, doctors, and advocates across the state.
A 10-month-old boy from Portland, Ashaan Carter, has been hospitalized twice and is still dependent on a feeding tube after developing infant botulism—a rare but dangerous condition—after consuming donated ByHeart baby formula. The formula was provided through a social support program meant to help low-income and homeless families.
A Trusted Donation That Turned Dangerous
Ashaan’s mother, Angel Carter, said she received the formula in early November from a caseworker connected to the Oregon Department of Human Services, just days before a nationwide recall was announced. At the time, Carter had been breastfeeding exclusively, but her milk supply was declining.
According to Carter, the caseworker reassured her that the ByHeart product was close to breast milk and suitable for her baby. Trusting that guidance, she agreed to use it.
“I thought I was doing the right thing for my child,” Carter said. “But everything went downhill after that.”
Rapid Decline and a Frightening Diagnosis
Not long after consuming the formula, Ashaan developed severe constipation and muscle weakness. His condition worsened so quickly that he became limp and unable to hold up his head. He was rushed to the emergency room and later transferred to Randall Children’s Hospital in Portland.
Doctors diagnosed him with presumed infant botulism, which they linked to the ByHeart formula, according to his physician, Dr. Sylvia Peterson-Perry. To stop the progression of the disease, Ashaan was treated with BabyBIG, an intravenous medication that delivers antibodies to fight the infection.
Although he was initially discharged after nearly two weeks in the hospital, his condition deteriorated again. He lost weight rapidly and was readmitted in December, leaving his mother fearing the worst.
“He was just wasting away,” Carter said. “I was scared I was going to lose him.”
Recall Came Too Late
After the recall notice was issued, the caseworker reportedly texted Carter to stop using the formula. By then, the damage had already been done. Ashaan’s muscle weakness persisted, requiring doctors to reinsert a feeding tube. He is now relearning basic skills like crawling and speaking, and there is no clear timeline for his recovery.
Oregon baby remains hospitalized with infant botulism linked to ByHeart formula
“It’s heartbreaking,” Peterson-Perry said. “Families rely on these products and on social services to provide safe nutrition for their babies—especially those already facing hardship.”
How Recalled Formula Reached Families
State officials declined to comment on the specifics of Ashaan’s case but confirmed that donated ByHeart formula was distributed through nonprofit partners, including PDX Diaper Bank. The formula was part of ByHeart’s “OpenHearted Initiative,” which aimed to support families in need.
Since mid-2022, nearly 24,000 cans of ByHeart formula were distributed nationwide before all products were recalled due to potential contamination. PDX Diaper Bank alone received about 400 cans through Baby2Baby, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit, and distributed most of them before the recall.
ByHeart has said it worked with Baby2Baby and other organizations to pull recalled products and notify families. Baby2Baby did not respond to requests for comment.
Ongoing Investigations and Legal Action
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, no new cases linked to the outbreak have been reported since mid-December. The Food and Drug Administration has inspected ByHeart facilities, but has not disclosed the source of the contamination. Production at the company remains shut down.
Seattle food safety attorney Bill Marler says he represents more than 30 affected families. At least 18 lawsuits have already been filed against ByHeart and retailers that sold the formula, with efforts underway to consolidate the cases in federal court.
For the Carter family, however, the focus remains on Ashaan’s recovery. Their story underscores the devastating consequences when safety systems fail—and the lasting impact on families who trusted that the help they received would protect their children, not put them in harm’s way.
