ATLANTA — Federal health officials are warning parents and caregivers to stop using Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula following a multistate outbreak of infant botulism that has hospitalized three infants.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a food safety alert after three cases of infant botulism were reported in California, Pennsylvania and Washington.
According to the CDC, all three infants consumed Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula before becoming ill. The children ranged in age from 2 to 5 months old when symptoms began.
All three infants were hospitalized and treated with BabyBIG®, the FDA-approved treatment for infant botulism. No deaths have been reported.
On June 13, 2026, Nara Organics voluntarily recalled all Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula products, including all lot numbers and both can sizes.
The powdered infant formula is sold through Target stores, Target.com and Nara.com. Health officials said the product represents less than 1% of the infant formula market in the United States, and shortages are not expected as a result of the recall.
Federal investigators are currently testing both opened and unopened containers of the formula. Results are expected in the coming weeks.
The CDC is advising parents and caregivers to immediately stop using any Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula.
Consumers with unopened containers should throw them away or return them for a refund.
Parents who have already opened a container are encouraged to photograph the product, record the lot number and expiration date, and consider retaining the remaining formula in case testing becomes necessary. The formula should be clearly labeled "Do Not Use" and stored separately from other infant feeding products for at least one month.
Health officials also recommend washing bottles, feeding equipment and surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled formula using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher.
Parents should seek immediate medical attention if an infant who consumed the formula develops symptoms such as poor feeding, difficulty swallowing, loss of head control or decreased facial expression.
According to the CDC, symptoms of infant botulism can take several weeks to appear. Families whose children consumed the recalled formula should monitor for symptoms for up to one month after the last use.
Infant botulism occurs when spores from Clostridium botulinum bacteria enter a baby's digestive system and produce toxins in the intestine. Early symptoms often include constipation, difficulty feeding, a weak cry and poor muscle control. If left untreated, the illness can progress to paralysis and breathing difficulties.
The CDC advises healthcare providers to begin treatment promptly when infant botulism is suspected and not wait for laboratory confirmation before administering appropriate care.
If you have further questions, you can contact the Texas Department of State Health Services at (888) 963-7111 or the Hunt County Health Department at (903) 408-4140.
The investigation remains ongoing.
