The Nara Organics Baby Formula recall has been announced across three states after U.S. health officials linked the product to a multistate botulism outbreak involving infants aged 2 to 5 months. Federal agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are examining whether the recalled formula contributed to illnesses that hospitalized three infants.
The Nara Organics Baby Formula recall affects all lots and can sizes of Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula sold nationwide. Health authorities have urged parents and caregivers to stop using the product immediately while testing continues.
What Caused The Nara Organics Baby Formula Recall?
The Nara Organics Baby Formula recall was initiated after investigators identified a potential connection between the formula and three cases of infant botulism reported in California, Pennsylvania, and Washington.
According to the FDA, all affected infants consumed Nara Organics infant formula before becoming ill. The illnesses occurred between April and May 2026, prompting a joint investigation involving the FDA, CDC, state health departments, and the California Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program.
On June 13, 2026, Nara Organics agreed to conduct a voluntary recall of the infant formula after the FDA recommended action due to the severity of the illnesses and the emerging public health signal.
Health officials emphasized that laboratory testing remains ongoing, meaning investigators are still determining whether contamination is present in the product itself.
Which Products Are Included in the FDA Infant Formula Recall?
The Nara Organics infant formula recall covers:
- Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula
- All lot numbers
- All can sizes
- Products distributed between July 2025 and June 2026
The formula was sold nationwide through:
- Target retail stores
- Target.com
- Nara.com
Federal officials noted that Nara Organics accounts for less than 1% of infant formula sales in the United States, reducing concerns about supply disruptions.
What Health Risks Are Linked to the Infant Botulism Outbreak?
Infant botulism is a rare but serious condition caused by Clostridium botulinum bacteria that produces toxins inside a baby’s digestive system. These toxins attack the nervous system and can lead to muscle weakness, feeding difficulties, and breathing problems.
Symptoms Linked to the Botulism Outbreak
Health authorities are advising parents to watch for symptoms such as:
- Constipation
- Poor feeding
- Weak or altered cry
- Difficulty swallowing
- Loss of head control
- Decreased facial expression
- Drooping eyelids
- Breathing difficulties
One important challenge is that symptoms may not appear immediately. According to federal health officials, signs of infant botulism can take several weeks to develop after exposure.
The CDC reported that all three infants were hospitalized and treated with BabyBIG, a specialized antitoxin used for infant botulism. Importantly, no deaths have been reported.
What Parents Should Do Amid Botulism Outbreak in Infant Formula?
The CDC is urging families to stop using the recalled formula immediately.
Parents and caregivers should:
- Discontinue feeding the recalled product.
- Save packaging information and product details.
- Label any remaining opened formula as “Do Not Use.”
- Store leftover formula separately if health authorities request testing samples.
- Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms develop.
The FDA warned that botulism can become life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Nara Organics acknowledged the recall in a public statement, saying, “Stop using all Nara Organics infant formula immediately. We are heartbroken for the concern and stress this may cause your family.”
Conclusion
The Nara Organics Baby Formula recall follows three infant botulism cases that led to hospitalizations in three states. Although the FDA and CDC continue to investigate the source of the illnesses, officials have advised families to stop using the recalled product immediately.
The infant formula industry has faced increased food safety recalls, such as the ByHeart baby formula recall also caused by a botulism outbreak.
Officials are testing opened and unopened formula samples collected from affected households. Federal agencies have stated that additional updates will be released as laboratory findings become available.
