Greece’s National Organization for Medicines (EOF) has issued an urgent warning about an infant formula linked to cases of botulism in the United States and sold online, including through Amazon.

The product, ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula, has been associated with several incidents of infant botulism in the U.S., according to information relayed to the EOF by the Greek Food Authority (EFET). Because the formula is available through international e-commerce platforms, authorities caution that it may also reach consumers in Greece.

The EOF is urging the public not to purchase or use the formula under any circumstances and to immediately notify the agency if they come into possession of any batch. The organization stresses that buying health-related products from unreliable sources—particularly online—can pose serious risks.

What Is Botulism?
Botulism, recently thrust back into the public spotlight following a mass poisoning and the death of a Greek woman at a Bordeaux restaurant, is a rare but severe paralytic illness. According to the National Public Health Organization (EODY), it is caused by a neurotoxin produced primarily by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, and in some cases by Clostridium butyricum or Clostridium baratii.

Six forms of botulism exist:
1. Foodborne
2. Infant
3. Adult intestinal toxemia
4. Wound
5. Iatrogenic
6. Inhalation

The botulinum toxin is considered one of the most lethal substances known, with an average fatal dose (LD50) of just 1 nanogram per kilogram of body weight.

Infant botulism typically affects babies between six weeks and six months old. Symptoms can include constipation, poor feeding, weak crying, reduced muscle tone, lethargy, and loss of head control. Cases range from mild—requiring no hospitalization—to sudden and fatal.

Authorities advise parents and caregivers to exercise extreme caution and to prioritize purchases from verified, reputable sources.