Infant botulism often stems from environmental spores found in soil or honey. For parents, the sudden onset of "floppy baby syndrome" is a nightmare. The unit established by Section 123707 acts as a global safeguard, ensuring that the specialized antibodies needed to neutralize botulinum toxins are always available, tested, and ready for the infants who need them most.

The number refers to California Health and Safety Code § 123707 , which governs the Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Unit . This unit is responsible for the manufacture, distribution, and licensure of Botulism Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human) , a life-saving treatment for infants.

Below is a feature article written about this unit and its critical mission.

: To ensure rapid response, the department is exempt from standard competitive bidding for the testing and distribution of the treatment.

The law provides this unit with extraordinary flexibility because the stakes are so high. According to the statute: