California Launches Public Hotline to Help Answer Questions on Infant Botulism - CDPH

November 14, 2025

NR25-18

Live now, this new public help line will answer questions regarding infant botulism and its symptoms, formula use and other concer ns​

What You Need to Know: CDPH has launched a new public-facing hotline to support caregivers with concerns regarding the ongoing infant botulism outbreak. Caregivers can reach CDPH's infant botulism experts directly at 1-833-398-2022.​

SACRAMENTO - The California Department of Public Health (CDPH), in an effort to assist Californians seeking help and support in response to the nationwide outbreak of infant botulism has opened a public-facing hotline for concerned parents and caregivers with questions about infant botulism. The public can reach CDPH directly toll-free at 1-833-398-2022.

The public hotline, which is live now, is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST). Trained public health staff will be able to provide answers and information for concerned members of the public with questions about the current outbreak.

CDPH's medical staffing line for health care providers and other medical professionals continues to operate 24/7.

Infant Botulism Outbreak Hotline

1-​833-398-2022

Monday - Sunday, 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. PST

Public Health Investigation

CDPH helped identify an outbreak ​ of infant botulism linked to ByHeart Infant Formula. State public health officials are working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other states to investigate the outbreak. The U.S. Food and Drug Branch announced that ByHeart had initiated a nationwide recall​ of all of its infant formula product.

CDPH and federal officials have recommended that anyone with ByHeart infant formula stop using it immediately and report any signs s of infant botulism to their health care provider as soon as possible.

Infant Botulism

Infant botulism is the form of botulism which results when swallowed spores of a particular bacterium (Clostridium botulinum) colonize a baby's large intestine and produce botulinum toxin in it. Botulinum toxin causes muscle weakness because it blocks the nerve ending's ability to communicate with muscles. If left untreated, the condition can lead to respiratory failure and even death.

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