Full Breakdown
Nara Organics Infant Formula Recalled After Multistate Botulism Outbreak
6/14/2026, 2:08:53 PM
Recall of Nara Organics Infant Formula Following Botulism Cases
In April–May 2026, three infants aged 2–5 months in California, Pennsylvania and Washington were hospitalized with infant botulism after consuming Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula. All received the FDA-approved antitoxin BabyBIG and survived. The European-manufactured formula, sold only in the U.S. through Target stores, Target.com and Nara.com, accounts for less than 1 % of the national infant-formula market. Nara Organics voluntarily recalled every can, covering all lot numbers and both can sizes, on June 13 2026.
Background: Infant Botulism and Recent Outbreaks
Infant botulism, caused by *Clostridium botulinum* spores that germinate in an infant’s immature gut, produces a neurotoxin leading to constipation, poor feeding, muscle weakness and potentially respiratory failure. This incident follows a November 2025 outbreak linked to ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula that sickened 48 infants in 17 states.
Timeline of Key Events
- Jul 2025–Jun 2026: Nara Organics formula sold nationwide via Target and online.
- Apr–May 2026: Three infant botulism cases identified.
- Jun 12 2026: FDA advises recall.
- Jun 13 2026: Nara Organics announces voluntary recall; CDC issues safety notice.
- Jun 13 2026 onward: Labs test samples; results pending.
Official Statements & Responses
Nara Organics said infant health is its top priority and issued a voluntary recall of all cans. The CDC advised parents to stop using the formula, label opened cans “DO NOT USE,” keep them isolated for a month and discard if no symptoms develop. The FDA characterized the investigation as early-stage, noted that the recall does not threaten the overall infant-formula supply, and confirmed that the recall was driven by the severity of the illnesses and epidemiologic evidence.
Criticism & Opposition
Seattle food-safety attorney Bill Marler called the repeat of formula-linked botulism “more than troubling,” urging stricter oversight of imported powdered infant formula.
What’s Next
State and federal labs will keep testing opened and unopened cans, with results expected in weeks. The CDC will monitor exposed infants for up to a month. Retailers are processing returns and refunds, and the FDA will assess whether further regulatory steps are needed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Label it ‘DO NOT USE’ and keep it stored in a safe place away from other items you feed your baby for at least a month,” — CDC spokesperson, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- “If no symptoms appear after a month, throw the leftover formula away.” — CDC spokesperson, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- “The health of all babies is our first priority, and for that reason, we’re issuing a voluntary recall for all cans of Nara Organics infant formula currently available in the U.S.,” — Nara Organics spokesperson, Nara Organics
- “Stop using all Nara Organics infant formula immediately.” — Nara Organics spokesperson, Nara Organics
