WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal health officials are investigating a multistate outbreak of infant botulism that has hospitalized three infants in California, Pennsylvania and Washington, prompting a nationwide recall of Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a food safety alert after identifying three cases of infant botulism in babies ages 2 to 5 months who had consumed the formula. All three infants were hospitalized and treated with BabyBIG®, the FDA-approved treatment for infant botulism. No deaths have been reported.
On June 13, Nara Organics recalled all Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula products, including all lot numbers and both can sizes. The formula has been sold online and through major retailers across the United States.
Health officials are testing both opened and unopened formula samples to determine whether contamination with Clostridium botulinum spores contributed to the illnesses. Results are expected in the coming weeks.
The CDC is urging parents and caregivers to immediately stop using any Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula.
Consumers with unopened cans should discard the product or return it. Parents with opened containers are advised to photograph the product, record the lot number and use-by date, and consider retaining the formula for up to one month in case health officials need samples for testing if symptoms develop.
Federal officials also recommend washing bottles, utensils, preparation areas and any surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled formula using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
The CDC warned parents to seek immediate medical attention if an infant who consumed the recalled formula develops symptoms including poor feeding, loss of head control, difficulty swallowing or decreased facial expression.
Symptoms may take several weeks to appear, and health officials are advising families to monitor infants for up to a month after their last exposure to the product.
Infant botulism occurs when swallowed Clostridium botulinum spores colonize a baby’s large intestine and produce a dangerous neurotoxin. Early symptoms often include constipation, followed by feeding difficulties, a weak cry and reduced muscle control.
If left untreated, the illness can progress to paralysis, breathing difficulties and prolonged hospitalization.
The CDC advised healthcare providers not to wait for laboratory confirmation before beginning treatment when clinical evaluation supports a diagnosis of infant botulism.
Additional information about the outbreak, recall and public health recommendations is available through the CDC at: https://www.cdc.gov/botulism/outbreaks-investigations/infant-formula-june-2026/index.html
Parents with questions about cases in their state should contact their state health department.
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