The Safe Food Coalition wants stronger oversight of infant formula production and the reinstatement of FDA food inspectors, citing the ongoing outbreak of botulism infections as a case in point.
The coalition includes the Center for Food Safety, Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), Consumer Federation of America, Consumer Reports, Government Accountability Project, GWU Institute for Food Safety and Nutrition Security, and Stop Foodborne Illness.
Currently there are 39 confirmed cases of infant botulism traced to ByHeart powdered infant formula. Another 60 cases are under investigation. All of the sick infants were fed ByHeart formula. The company has recalled all of its formula, but according to the Food and Drug Administration it remains on sale at a variety of stores, including Walmart and Kroger.