Rady Children’s understands how challenging formula recalls and supply shortages can be for families with young infants. The table below includes possible substitutions for affected formulas, based on guidance from the North American Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN).
We do not recommend homemade formulas or adding extra water to formulas.
Please discuss with your primary care or medical care provider prior to any and all substitutions.
New Recall: ByHeart Infant Formula (November 2025)
All ByHeart infant formula products have been recalled nationwide (November 2025) after being linked to a multistate outbreak of infant botulism. Federal health officials are urging parents and caregivers to stop using any ByHeart formula immediately and to check their pantries.
Key Facts About the Recall
- Scope of recall: All batches of ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula have been recalled.
- Products included: 24-ounce cans and single-serve “Anywhere Pack” sticks.
If you currently use ByHeart infant formula:
- Stop using the product immediately.
- Check the brand and packaging in your home to confirm if it is ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula.
- Contact your child’s primary care or medical provider for guidance on safe alternative formulas.
- Follow recall instructions on the product label or from public health agencies for returns, refunds, or disposal.
Official recall notice: For full details on the ByHeart infant formula recall, including affected batches and consumer guidance, please see the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recall notice:
FDA Recall Notice – ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula.
Updates & Resources
- California Department of Public Health – Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program
- County of San Diego – ByHeart Baby Formula linked to infant botulism flyer.
- California Department of Public Health – Infant Formula Resources
Possible Substitutions for Recalled Formulas
| Recalled Formula | Comparable Formula (in alphabetical order by formula name) |
|---|---|
| EleCare Infant | Alfamino Infant (Nestlé) Neocate Infant (Nutricia) Neocate Syneo (NOT for use in kids with short bowel syndrome – Nutricia) PurAmino DHA & ARA Infant (Reckitt Mead Johnson) |
| EleCare Jr (all flavors and unflavored) | Alfamino Jr (Nestlé) EquaCare Jr (Cambrooke) Essential Care Jr (Cambrooke) Neocate Jr (Nutricia) Neocate Splash (Nutricia) PurAmino Jr (Reckitt Mead Johnson) |
| Similac Alimentum powder | Gerber Extensive HA (Gerber) Nutramigen (Reckitt Mead Johnson) Pregestimil (Reckitt Mead Johnson) Similac Alimentum Ready-to-Feed liquid (Abbott) Store Brand Hypoallergenic Infant Formula (Perrigo) – Walmart, Target, Kroger, Walgreens, CVS, Meijer, HEB, Safeway, Sam’s Club, Topco and Amazon |
| Similac Soy | Earth’s Best Organic Soy (Earth’s Best) Enfamil ProSobee (Reckitt Mead Johnson) Good Start Soy (Gerber) Store Brand Soy Infant Formula (Perrigo) – Walmart, Target, Kroger, Walgreens, CVS, Meijer, HEB, Safeway, Sam’s Club, Topco and Amazon |
| Similac Sensitive | Earth’s Best Organic Sensitivity (Earth’s Best) Enfamil Gentlease (Reckitt Mead Johnson) Good Start SoothePro (Gerber) Similac Sensitive Ready-to-Feed liquid or concentrate liquid (Abbott) Store Brand Sensitivity Infant Formula (Perrigo) – Walmart, Target, Kroger, Walgreens, CVS, Meijer, HEB, Safeway, Sam’s Club, Topco and Amazon |
| Similac Pro-Advance | Earth’s Best Gentle Formula (Earth’s Best) Enfamil Newborn, Infant or Reguline (Reckitt Mead Johnson) Good Start Gentle (Gerber) Store Brand Advantage Infant Formula (Perrigo) – Walmart, Target, Kroger, Walgreens, CVS, Meijer, HEB, Safeway, Sam’s Club, Topco and Amazon |
| Similac Spit-Up | Enfamil AR (Reckitt Mead Johnson) Similac for Spit-Up Ready-to-Feed liquid (Abbott) Store Brand Added Rice Infant Formula (Perrigo) – Walmart, Target, Kroger, Walgreens, CVS, Meijer, HEB, Safeway, Sam’s Club, Topco and Amazon |
| Similac Total Comfort | Good Start Gentle (Gerber) Good Start GentlePro (Gerber) Similac Total Comfort Ready-to-Feed liquid (Abbott) Store Brand Complete Comfort Infant Formula (Perrigo) – Walmart, Target, Kroger, Walgreens, CVS, Meijer, HEB, Safeway, Sam’s Club, Topco and Amazon |
Current FDA Guidance on Recalled Powdered Formulas
Currently, the FDA is advising consumers not to use Similac, Alimentum or EleCare powdered formula if it meets all of the following criteria:
- The first two digits of the product code (located on the bottom of the can) are 22 through 37.
- The code on the container contains K8, SH or Z2.
- The expiration date is 4-1-2022 (APR 2022) or later.
For more information, please visit NASPGHAN:
NASPGHAN tools for HCPs affected by formula recall.
In the News
- Transitioning Away from Baby Formula During the Shortage? Here is How to Do It Safely, USA Today, features Jeannie Huang, M.D., M.P.H. (5/23/22)
- Local Expert Offers Tips to Parents Having Trouble Finding Baby Formula, 10News.com, features Laura Beaston, Clinical Nutrition Manager (5/09/22)