Nara Organics Recalls Infant Formula After Three Babies Develop Botulism

By Blessing Nweke

Nara Organics has issued a nationwide recall of its Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula after three infants in different U.S. states developed infant botulism, prompting a federal health investigation and renewed concerns about formula safety.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the cases involved infants in California, Pennsylvania and Washington who consumed the formula between April and May. The affected babies were between 2 and 5 months old when they became ill.

Health officials said all three infants were hospitalized and treated with BabyBIG, an antitoxin used to combat infant botulism. No deaths have been reported.

The recall applies to all Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula products sold nationwide between July 2025 and June 2026, including products distributed through Target stores, Target.com and the company’s website.

Infant botulism is a rare but potentially life-threatening illness caused when Clostridium botulinum spores grow in a baby’s intestine and produce toxins that attack the nervous system. Early symptoms often include constipation, followed by difficulty sucking and swallowing, a weak cry and reduced head control. More severe cases can lead to paralysis and respiratory failure, requiring prolonged hospitalization.

Federal health authorities have urged parents and caregivers to stop using the recalled formula immediately. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advised consumers to keep any remaining product separate from other foods and clearly label it “Do Not Use,” as investigators may request samples for testing. Unneeded products should be discarded or returned.

The FDA said Nara Organics, a Europe-based manufacturer, represents less than 1% of the U.S. infant formula market, and the recall is not expected to disrupt national supplies.

The incident follows a separate infant botulism outbreak linked to ByHeart formula last year that resulted in about 48 illnesses, including 28 confirmed cases, according to the FDA.