WASHINGTON, D.C. — A popular organic infant formula is now off shelves after three babies across the country were diagnosed with a rare and potentially life-threatening illness.
Nara Organics has issued a nationwide recall of its Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula after infants in California, Pennsylvania and Washington developed infant botulism between April and May.
The babies were just 2 to 5 months old.
All Three Infants Were Hospitalized
All three children were admitted to the hospital and treated with BabyBIG, an antitoxin specifically used to fight infant botulism.
Federal health officials confirmed no deaths have occurred. But the illness they contracted is one that doctors take extremely seriously.
What Is Infant Botulism — And Why Is It So Dangerous?
Infant botulism happens when Clostridium botulinum spores grow inside a baby’s large intestine and release toxins that attack the nervous system.
Symptoms can take weeks to appear. They often start with constipation, then progress to a weak cry, difficulty feeding, poor head control and drooping eyelids.
In serious cases, the illness can cause full-body paralysis and respiratory failure — requiring weeks of hospitalization.
What Parents Need to Do Right Now
If you have purchased Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula — from Target, Target.com or Nara.com — stop using it immediately.
The recall covers all products sold nationwide between July 2025 and June 2026.
The FDA advises placing any remaining product in a safe location away from other food and labeling it clearly as “Do Not Use.” State health officials may request samples for testing. If no testing is needed and the infant shows no symptoms, the product should be returned or discarded.
This Is the Second Botulism Outbreak in Under a Year
This recall follows a separate infant botulism outbreak linked to another formula brand that resulted in approximately 48 illnesses, including 28 confirmed cases.
Health officials noted that Nara Organics accounts for less than 1% of the U.S. formula supply and the recall is not expected to cause a nationwide shortage.
Are you a parent who purchased this formula? Have you already noticed any symptoms in your child? Share what you know in the comments — other parents need this information right now.
