Infant Botulism Outbreak: Nara Organics Infant Formula Recall

The CDC has issued a food safety alert after three infants in California, Pennsylvania, and Washington developed botulism linked to Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula. As of June 13, 2026, the company recalled all lot numbers and sizes of the product. All affected infants were hospitalized and treated with BabyBIG®.

According to the CDC, the affected infants ranged from 2 to 5 months old when their illnesses began. No deaths have been reported in this outbreak. The recalled formula was sold online and through several major retailers across the United States.

Why was Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula recalled?

Nara Organics recalled all sizes and lot numbers of its Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula on June 13, 2026, following the report of three botulism cases. The CDC is currently testing both opened and unopened samples of the product. Results from these tests are expected in the coming weeks.

Infant botulism occurs when spores from Clostridium botulinum bacteria infect a baby’s large intestine and produce a toxin. If left untreated, this can lead to progressive, flaccid paralysis and breathing difficulties, which may require weeks of hospitalization.

Did You Know? The three infants identified in this multistate outbreak were between 2 and 5 months old when they first became ill.

How can parents identify symptoms of infant botulism?

Symptoms may take several weeks to appear after the infant consumes the contaminated product. The CDC notes that while the illness often begins with constipation, parents typically first notice difficulty feeding, a weak or altered cry, and a loss of head control.

Caregivers should seek immediate medical care if an infant shows decreased facial expression or difficulty swallowing. The CDC advises parents to monitor their children for a full month after the last use of the recalled formula.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the urgency of this situation lies in the clinical diagnosis process. Because the CDC advises clinicians to begin treatment with BabyBIG® immediately without waiting for laboratory confirmation, the speed of parental recognition and medical response is the primary factor in preventing severe paralysis.

What should caregivers do with recalled formula?

Parents must stop using Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula immediately. Unopened cans should be thrown away or returned. For opened cans, the CDC recommends recording the lot number and use-by date before labeling the container “DO NOT USE.”

Botulism cases lead to widespread recall of infant formula

Caregivers should store opened cans in a safe place away from other food for at least one month. This allows state health departments to test the formula if the infant develops symptoms. If no symptoms appear after 30 days, the formula can be discarded.

Additionally, any surfaces or items that touched the recalled formula should be cleaned with a dishwasher or hot, soapy water.

What happens next in the investigation?

The CDC and FDA are awaiting the results of ongoing product testing, which could clarify the source of the Clostridium botulinum spores. A possible next step involves the FDA’s Safety Reporting Portal, where the agency is collecting reports of adverse events or illnesses related to the formula.

Clinicians are being directed to prioritize clinical symptoms over lab results to ensure infants receive BabyBIG®, the FDA-approved treatment, as quickly as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which states are affected by this outbreak?
Cases have been reported in California, Pennsylvania, and Washington.

What is the approved treatment for infant botulism?
The FDA-approved treatment is BabyBIG®.

How should I report an illness related to this formula?
The CDC directs users to the FDA’s Safety Reporting Portal, though medical attention must be sought first if a child is showing symptoms.

Do you check for official recall notices before purchasing organic baby products?