Nara Organics Recalls Infant Formula After Three Babies Contract Botulism
Nara Organics has issued a voluntary recall of all lots of its Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula after three infants in three states were diagnosed with infant botulism, federal health officials announced over the weekend. The recall, conducted in coordination with the Food and Drug Administration, covers all formula sold nationwide between July 2025 and June 2026.
The affected infants — located in California, Pennsylvania, and Washington — were between two and five months old when they became ill between April and May 2026. All three were hospitalized and treated with BabyBIG, an antitoxin specifically used to treat infant botulism. No deaths have been reported, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The Recall
On June 12, the FDA contacted Nara Organics with epidemiological information linking three cases of infant botulism to the company’s formula. Within 24 hours, the company agreed to a full voluntary recall of all products currently on the market. In a statement on its recall page, Nara Organics said: “We believe in taking the strongest possible measure to protect the safety of babies. That’s why we quickly decided, in an abundance of caution, to voluntarily recall all Nara Organics infant formula currently available in the U.S.”
The company noted that as of the recall date, no Nara formula has tested positive for Clostridium botulinum, the bacteria that causes botulism. Testing is underway, and results are expected in the coming weeks.
The formula was sold nationally at Target retail stores, Target.com, and Nara.com. It was not distributed outside the United States. All Nara Organics formula was manufactured in Europe.
Understanding Infant Botulism
Infant botulism is a rare but serious illness that occurs when C. botulinum spores are ingested and colonize an infant’s large intestine, producing toxins that attack the nervous system. Symptoms can take weeks to develop and often begin with constipation, progressing to difficulty sucking and swallowing, a weak cry, poor head control, drooping eyelids, and facial weakness. Without treatment, the illness can cause progressive flaccid paralysis leading to respiratory failure and requiring weeks of hospitalization.
The CDC advises parents who have used the recalled formula to monitor their infants for symptoms for one month after the last consumption and to seek immediate medical care if any signs appear.
A Troubling Pattern
This recall is particularly alarming because it marks the second infant botulism outbreak linked to powdered infant formula in less than a year. The previous outbreak, involving ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula, was identified in November 2025 and declared over on February 26, 2026. That outbreak resulted in 48 illnesses across 17 states, as well as Guam and Puerto Rico. The FDA confirmed through whole genome sequencing that C. botulinum found in the finished product matched clinical isolates and an organic whole milk powder ingredient.
As NBC News reported, the back-to-back outbreaks raise serious questions about manufacturing safety standards. Both Nara Organics and ByHeart represent small portions of the U.S. infant formula market — less than 1% and approximately 1%, respectively — and the FDA has emphasized that neither recall creates shortage concerns. However, the fact that two separate brands with different supply chains have been implicated in botulism outbreaks within a single year is unprecedented.
What Parents Should Do
The FDA and CDC urge parents and caregivers to stop using Nara Organics formula immediately. Consumers should record lot numbers and take photos of containers before discarding them. If an infant develops symptoms, the formula should be kept in a clearly marked “Do Not Use” container, as state health officials may request it for testing. If no symptoms appear after one month, the formula can be discarded.
All items and surfaces that may have touched the formula should be washed with hot soapy water or in a dishwasher. The specific lots linked to the three cases are 709125280E14F2, 709125288E14F2, and 708125174E14F2, though the company is recalling all lots.
Investigation Ongoing
The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with the California Department of Public Health’s Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, continue to investigate the outbreak. As USA Today noted, the FDA has not yet determined a root cause for either this outbreak or the ByHeart outbreak, and questions remain about whether a common ingredient supplier could explain both incidents.
Nara Organics has stated that it is working closely with the FDA, CDC, and state health departments and will provide updates as additional information becomes available. The company is offering automatic refunds for customers who purchased formula directly from its website in May or June, and directing Target customers to follow the retailer’s return policies.
What to Watch For
As laboratory testing of Nara formula samples continues, the results could provide critical clues about the source of contamination. The FDA’s investigation may also lead to on-site inspections of the European manufacturing facility where Nara formula was produced. Given that two separate outbreaks have now occurred within a year, consumer advocacy groups and lawmakers are likely to call for enhanced testing protocols for spore-forming bacteria in powdered infant formula and stronger regulatory oversight of imported formula.
For now, the message from health officials is clear: parents should check their supplies immediately, stop using any Nara Organics formula, and remain vigilant for symptoms of infant botulism.