Monica Valenzuela has filed a class action lawsuit against ByHeart, Inc., alleging deceptive and misleading business practices concerning the manufacturing, marketing, and sale of their infant formula products. The complaint was filed on November 13, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York. Valenzuela claims that ByHeart failed to disclose that their formula is contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that can cause infant botulism—a potentially fatal illness.
The lawsuit accuses ByHeart of not informing consumers about the contamination risk on their product packaging, which misled customers into believing they were purchasing safe products. Valenzuela argues that reasonable consumers expect baby formula to be free from harmful substances and accuses ByHeart of violating New York General Business Law §§ 349 and 350 by engaging in deceptive acts and practices. She seeks economic damages for herself and other affected consumers who purchased the contaminated products.
Valenzuela's complaint highlights that ByHeart issued a recall on November 8, 2025, which was expanded nationwide three days later after further cases of infant botulism were reported. Despite this recall, Valenzuela contends it was insufficient as it required consumers to retain the products for refunds, knowing many would discard them upon learning of the contamination risk. She asserts that a class action remedy is superior to address these issues comprehensively.
The plaintiff seeks various forms of relief from the court, including monetary damages, statutory damages under New York law, punitive damages, and reimbursement for legal costs. The case underscores serious concerns about product safety and corporate responsibility in consumer goods.
Representing Monica Valenzuela are attorneys Michael R. Reese from Reese LLP and Kevin Laukaitis along with Daniel Tomascik from Laukaitis Law LLC. The case is being presided over by judges in the Eastern District of New York under Case No. 25-cv-6333.
Source: 125cv06333_Valenzuela_v_ByHeart_Inc_Complaint_Eastern_District_New_York.pdf