Formula, Shortages & Recalls: Safe Emergency Feeding, Storage Rules & How to Decode Recall Notices

Quick overview — why this matters now

When an infant formula brand is recalled or an unexpected supply disruption occurs, parents and caregivers need clear, practical steps to keep babies fed and safe. Recent investigations in late 2025 tied a multistate outbreak of infant botulism to ByHeart Whole Nutrition powdered infant formula; ByHeart’s voluntary recall began on November 8 and was later expanded (all lots) as public-health partners investigated. Health agencies warn that infants fed contaminated powdered formula can develop severe illness, and they urge caregivers to stop using recalled product and follow recall instructions immediately.

This article summarizes immediate actions to take during recalls or shortages, safe temporary feeding options, preparation and storage rules for formula at home, and step‑by‑step guidance for decoding and responding to recall notices — including when to contact your pediatrician or public health officials. The guidance below draws on CDC and FDA recommendations (links cited in each section).

Emergency feeding: safe short‑term options and what to avoid

If your usual formula is recalled or temporarily unavailable, pick the safest, nutritionally appropriate alternative and consult your pediatrician before switching, especially for infants who are younger than 2 months, premature, or immunocompromised.

• Breast milk: Best substitute when available. If you or a milk‑sharing donor are providing expressed milk, follow strict hygiene and storage guidance; use milk from screened milk banks (HMBANA) when donor milk is needed for medically fragile infants.
• Ready‑to‑feed (RTF) liquid formula: Because RTF formulas are manufactured to be sterile, they are the safest non‑breastmilk option during recalls involving powdered formula. Use RTF if you can obtain it.
• Liquid concentrate: Acceptable when mixed exactly per label instructions using safe water. Boil water first if your water source is questionable. Do NOT dilute concentrate with extra water — incorrect dilution can cause serious electrolyte problems.
• Powdered formula: Remember that powdered formula is not sterile. For most healthy infants, following label directions is usual practice; for higher‑risk infants (under 2 months, premature, immune‑compromised), extra precautions are recommended (use water heated to ~70°C/158°F when advised) because very hot water is needed to kill bacteria such as Cronobacter. Never create homemade recipes, cow’s‑milk mixes, or watered‑down formula as temporary substitutes.

If you cannot find an appropriate commercial product, call your baby’s pediatrician or local public health department for guidance — do not improvise with homemade formulas, animal milks, or unapproved recipes. Clinicians can advise medically appropriate temporary substitutions (for example, specialty formulas) and may have local resources or supply channels.

Preparation and storage rules every caregiver should follow

Safe preparation and storage reduce the chance of bacterial growth and nutrient errors. Follow the instructions on your formula container first; here are widely recommended, practical rules from CDC and FDA:

• Water and mixing: Use a safe water source. If the safety of tap water is unknown (e.g., during a boil‑water advisory or after flooding), use bottled water or boil and cool tap water before mixing. Measure water first, then add powder — never add extra water.
• Prepared formula timing: Use prepared formula within 2 hours at room temperature. If you refrigerate prepared bottles within 2 hours, use them within 24 hours. Discard any formula left in the bottle after a feeding.
• Opened can storage: Store an opened can of powdered formula in a cool, dry place with the lid closed and use per the manufacturer’s directions (commonly within 1 month after opening); do not store opened cans in the refrigerator or freeze them. Confirm the exact timeframe on your product label.
• Do not microwave: Never warm bottles in a microwave — uneven heating can create hot spots and burns. Warm bottles under warm running water or a bowl of warm water and test a few drops on your wrist.

If you care for a high‑risk infant (premature, very young, or medically fragile), follow the additional CDC steps to reduce Cronobacter risk: use liquid (sterile) formula when possible, or for powdered formula prepare using very hot water and let it cool before feeding, and practice strict cleaning/drying of scoops and lids.

Decoding a recall notice and immediate steps if you bought recalled formula

Recalls can be confusing. Here’s a clear, step‑by‑step checklist for what to do when authorities announce a formula recall:

1. Stop using the product immediately. Follow the recall notice: if the recall covers specific lot numbers or is expanded to all lots, stop using any products included in the notice. Keep the container (don’t throw it away) and take a clear photo of the can, lot number, and "use by" date — public health investigators may ask for this.
2. Check official recall sources. Look up the FDA recall notice and the CDC outbreak advisory for details on which products, lot numbers, packaging types, and dates are affected. Manufacturers may expand recalls; check official pages frequently for updates.
3. Store leftover product safely for testing. If instructed by public health or your pediatrician, label leftover formula "DO NOT USE" and keep it sealed in a safe place — local health officials sometimes request samples for testing. If you are not asked to keep it, follow disposal instructions in the recall notice.
4. Return, refund or dispose per guidance. Many recalls include return or refund instructions from the manufacturer or retailer; follow those directions. If disposal is required, follow local waste guidance and ensure the product is out of reach of children.
5. Report symptoms and seek care promptly. If your baby develops signs such as poor feeding, constipation, weak cry, limpness, trouble breathing, or unusual lethargy, seek urgent medical care and tell clinicians about the recalled product. For suspected infant botulism, mention it specifically — state health departments and the Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program may be involved.
6. Report the problem to FDA and the retailer. File a report to FDA’s consumer complaint system (e.g., MedWatch) and inform the place of purchase. Keep records (photos, receipts, lot numbers) in case follow‑up is needed. If you encounter recalled product still for sale in stores after a recall, FDA has warned retailers to remove product promptly — report shelf availability to the retailer and, if necessary, to state or federal regulators.

Finally, stay calm: agencies coordinate with manufacturers and retailers to remove recalled products and to protect supply chains. After the ByHeart recall in late 2025, FDA worked with retailers and state partners to improve recall effectiveness and to ensure safe product availability, while advising caregivers to stop using the brand. If you have questions about alternatives, your pediatrician can recommend specific products and dosing and advise whether your baby needs clinical evaluation.