A nationwide recall of powdered infant formula has drawn attention from families across the country after federal officials announced a likely connection between the product and an outbreak of infant botulism. The recall, issued by ByHeart, follows an investigation by the Food and Drug Administration that identified more than a dozen illnesses potentially tied to the formula.

As of Friday, the 14th, the FDA reported 23 cases of infant botulism across 13 states. No deaths have been reported.

Parents who had been using the formula learned of the recall after the product was removed from store shelves and online retailers on Nov. 8. Many stopped using the formula immediately and began monitoring their children for any symptoms. Pediatricians have advised caregivers to stay alert for signs described in the FDA guidance.

According to an FDA fact sheet, initial symptoms of infant botulism can include constipation, poor feeding, loss of head control, and difficulty swallowing. More serious complications may follow, including difficulty breathing and respiratory arrest. The agency notes that symptoms may take several weeks to appear. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that, if untreated, the illness can progress to paralysis and death.

ByHeart first announced a recall affecting two lots of its organic Whole Nutrition Infant Formula. The company later expanded the recall to include all batches of the product as the investigation continued.

In a public statement, company leadership said that the recall reflects a commitment to protecting infant health and providing families with clear information. ByHeart also stated that it is conducting a comprehensive investigation to understand the situation and address parent concerns.

In addition to the reported illnesses, ByHeart is facing at least two lawsuits filed by families who allege that the formula was defective and caused harm. The suits seek compensation for medical expenses, emotional distress, and other damages.

Court filings describe situations in which infants developed concerning symptoms that led to medical evaluation and, in some cases, hospitalization. In one lawsuit, an infant was transported by air ambulance to a children’s hospital and treated for approximately two weeks. Parents involved in the litigation claim the company should be held responsible for ensuring product safety due to the vulnerable population that depends on infant formula.

Federal authorities continue to investigate the outbreak, and families who used the recalled product are encouraged to review recall information and consult medical professionals if they have concerns.

For more on product recall insurance, see Top 5 Trending Insurance Markets of October 2025, Part 5: Product Recall Insurance.

As reported on Nov. 16, 2025, active weather is forecast to persist along the West Coast this week, extending impacts from a recent Pacific storm that brought heavy rainfall and flooding to parts of California, Nevada, and Arizona.

Ongoing Impacts From the Recent Storm

Portions of Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles counties — areas that recorded the highest rainfall totals — are expected to experience occasional showers and drizzle through Sunday evening. By Sunday morning, 36-hour rainfall totals exceeded 3 inches across the Los Angeles Basin, with some locations measuring more than 5 inches.

Flooding and mudslide concerns remain, particularly near foothill areas. Evacuation orders issued late last week for locations around burn scars from the Palisades and Eaton fires were lifted by late Saturday afternoon. In higher elevations of the central Sierra, snow continued to accumulate early Sunday, adding to totals at mountain ski locations.

Early-Week Weather Pattern

From Sunday night into Monday night, a new zone of low pressure is forecast to bring additional moisture and windy conditions to the West Coast. Although total precipitation is expected to be lower than that associated with the recent Pacific storm, AccuWeather meteorologists note that existing issues could be compounded.

According to Meteorologist Alex Duffus, recent significant rainfall means additional downpours may renew flood risks in Central and Southern California through early week. Snowfall at pass elevations may contribute to travel delays. Snow levels near 7,000–7,500 feet on Sunday are expected to fall to 5,000–6,000 feet by Monday. Periods of accumulating snow are anticipated across the Sierra Nevada from Sunday night through Monday evening.

As this system moves inland across the Rocky Mountains later Tuesday, California is expected to receive a brief break from active weather before the next system arrives.

Midweek and Late-Week Storm Potential

Forecasters expect another storm to approach the West Coast around midweek. While the exact track remains uncertain, forecasts indicate the potential for additional coastal rain, mountain snow, and blustery coastal winds.

A separate late-week event is also possible. A storm moving into western Canada is projected to shift southward into Washington, Oregon, and potentially Northern California by the weekend. This system may produce accumulating snow in the upper elevations of the Washington Cascades and Coastal Range.

Stay informed and ahead of the curve — explore more industry insights and program opportunities at ProgramBusiness.com.

A new market study titled Global Builders Risk Insurance has been released by HTF MI, presenting an in-depth look at current conditions, emerging trends, and factors influencing the sector’s development. The report aims to better understand the business environment and the elements shaping the progress of the builders risk insurance market.

According to HTF MI, major companies active in the global market include Allianz (Germany), AXA (France), Zurich Insurance Group (Switzerland), Chubb Limited (USA), Travelers Companies (USA), The Hartford (USA), CNA Financial (USA), Tokio Marine Holdings (Japan), Liberty Mutual (USA), Berkshire Hathaway (USA), AIG (USA), Sompo International (Japan), Munich Re (Germany), Swiss Re (Switzerland), and QBE Insurance Group (Australia).

Market Drivers and Industry Shifts

The report identifies multiple forces contributing to the rising demand for builders risk insurance. Increasing global construction activity — including residential, commercial, and industrial development — continues to expand the need for project-focused coverage. Economic growth and government-backed infrastructure investments further support this activity, with post-pandemic recovery programs in the United States and Europe serving as recent examples.

Urbanization and growing populations are adding pressure for more housing, further elevating demand for residential construction insurance. At the same time, evolving construction methods and materials require updated risk assessments. Heightened awareness of construction-related risks, including natural disasters and supply chain disruptions, also encourages broader adoption of builders risk policies. The study notes that insurers are tailoring products to emerging exposures, such as cyber threats affecting construction data and equipment. Regulatory frameworks mandating safety and insurance compliance play an additional role in boosting market uptake.

HTF MI reports that the global builders risk insurance market has experienced substantial growth, with a CAGR of 7.5%.

Technology, Sustainability, and Market Expansion

The study highlights several developments influencing the direction of the market. Digitization and technology integration are expanding capabilities in risk monitoring, with IoT devices and drones enabling continuous site assessment. Artificial intelligence is also being used to enhance underwriting accuracy and streamline claims handling.

Modular and prefabricated construction is expanding, creating new risk profiles that require different insurance models. Sustainability initiatives are driving demand for coverage addressing green building practices and environmental compliance. The report also points to a rising need for cyber-related protections linked to automated machinery and digital construction systems.

Emerging markets — particularly in Asia-Pacific and Latin America — are seeing rapid construction growth, creating new opportunities for insurers. Policy flexibility and customization continue to increase, especially for project-specific risks such as delays or cost overruns.

Growth Opportunities and Expanding Risk Solutions

According to the report, tailored insurance products for new construction technologies, including 3D printing and smart buildings, represent a major opportunity for market expansion. Geographic growth in regions such as Southeast Asia and Africa is also expected to meet rising insurance needs amid accelerating urbanization.

Additional trends include collaborations between insurers and construction technology firms, the growing use of parametric insurance for weather-related losses, and increased public-private partnerships for infrastructure projects. The expansion of brokerage services and evolving regulatory requirements — including more countries considering mandatory builders risk insurance — continue to support market penetration. Climate-focused insurance solutions for extreme weather conditions on construction sites are also highlighted as a developing segment.

Distribution channels such as insurance brokers and direct sales are identified as significant contributors to market growth, alongside rising demand from small and medium-sized enterprises and broad macroeconomic expansion.

Market Landscape and Regional Positioning

The market remains highly competitive due to the presence of numerous major organizations. North America currently holds the largest market share, while the Asia-Pacific region is emerging as an increasingly important area for global builders risk insurance brands.

Industry Activity

HTF MI also reports that on February 15, 2025, Chubb Limited acquired a strategic stake in a construction technology company specializing in predictive risk analytics for the builders risk sector. The acquisition enhances Chubb’s underwriting capabilities with data-driven insights and supports technology-focused expansion in emerging markets.