by Richmond, KY – A 4-month-old baby in Richmond, Kentucky was diagnosed with infant botulism after consuming ByHeart Infant Formula, according to a federal lawsuit filed this week. The infant, Piper Everett, developed severe neurological symptoms, including non-dilating pupils and a loss of her gag reflex, after ingesting formula that her parents allege was laced with dangerous bacteria.
The legal complaint, filed by Hanna and Michael Everett on Wednesday in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky, claims that Piper was a “happy, healthy” infant prior to consuming the formula. The Everetts state that advertisements and marketing materials convinced them that ByHeart offered a “cutting-edge,” clinically proven, and nutritious alternative to traditional infant formulas.
Rapid Onset of Severe Symptoms
According to the complaint, Piper initially developed constipation and lethargy, followed by more alarming neurological symptoms, including difficulty taking a bottle. Concerned for their daughter’s safety, the Everetts took Piper to an emergency department, where she was diagnosed with infant botulism.
“I was like, ‘Oh my god, we need to go to the ER,’” Hanna Everett told the Associated Press, recalling the frightening experience.
Piper was admitted to Kentucky Children’s Hospital on November 9, 2025, where doctors confirmed the diagnosis and arranged for the administration of a scarce and difficult-to-produce antitoxin, which was flown in to treat her. The Everetts report that Piper’s condition gradually improved after receiving the treatment, though she remains on a feeding tube and is awaiting speech and feeding therapy evaluations.
Multistate Outbreak Investigation
Public health authorities later confirmed that Piper was part of a multistate outbreak linked to ByHeart formula. The Kentucky Department of Public Health discovered that she had consumed a recalled batch of the product. According to the complaint, at least 15 infants across 12 states have become ill after consuming contaminated formula. Another family in Arizona has also filed a lawsuit against ByHeart.
The Everetts’ complaint describes the ordeal as a parent’s worst nightmare and calls into question the safety and quality standards of the formula.
“This never should have happened,” Hanna Everett wrote on social media. “She is now on the upside of this. Most of her care team is happy with her progress. We are still on a feeding tube and waiting for speech/feeding therapy to give their opinion on her status.”
Legal Action and Safety Concerns
The lawsuit against ByHeart, Inc. alleges that the company failed to properly ensure the safety of its infant formula, placing infants at risk of life-threatening illnesses. The Everetts are seeking accountability for the harm caused to their daughter and for families affected in other states.
Health experts note that infant botulism is a rare but serious condition caused by Clostridium botulinum spores, which can result in severe neurological impairment if not treated promptly. The antitoxin used to treat the disease is limited in supply, highlighting the urgency of rapid medical intervention.
Have you or someone you know been affected by contaminated infant formula? Share your experiences in the comments below and join the conversation about infant formula safety and parental awareness.
