Urgent Recall: Organic Baby Formula Pulled After Botulism Cases Linked to California Infant
A voluntary baby formula recall is now in effect nationwide after health officials linked Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula to three cases of infant botulism, including one involving a California child. The recall, announced June 13, 2026, covers all lots of the powdered formula sold at Target stores, Target.com, and Nara.com.
Parents across the country are being urged to stop using the product immediately and check their cabinets. The cases involve infants aged 2 to 5 months who became ill between April and May 2026 in California, Pennsylvania, and Washington. All three babies were hospitalized and treated successfully with BabyBIG, the specialized antitoxin produced by California’s Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program. No deaths have occurred.
Sam Michael
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Federal and state investigators from the FDA, CDC, and California Department of Public Health confirmed the epidemiological connection. While no samples of the Nara Organics formula have tested positive for Clostridium botulinum so far, officials acted quickly out of caution because of the severity of infant botulism. The company, based in New York, voluntarily recalled every lot and is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.
Infant botulism remains rare but serious. It occurs when spores of Clostridium botulinum germinate in a baby’s immature digestive tract and release a powerful neurotoxin. This toxin blocks nerve signals, leading to progressive muscle weakness. Early signs often include severe constipation, followed by poor feeding, a weak or altered cry, drooping eyelids, sluggish pupils, loss of head control, and floppy limbs. In severe cases, breathing difficulties can develop. Symptoms may appear days or even weeks after exposure, which is why health officials recommend watching any exposed infant closely for at least a month.
The disease is most common in babies under 6 months because their gut has not yet developed the protective bacteria that prevent spore germination in older children and adults. While honey is a well-known source to avoid for infants under 1 year, contamination in powdered formula is uncommon but has happened before. Last year, a larger multistate outbreak tied to ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula sickened more than 50 infants and led to broad recalls.
Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula represents less than 1% of the U.S. infant formula market, so experts do not expect any supply shortages. The product was manufactured in Europe and distributed only in the United States from July 2025 through June 2026.
Parents who purchased the formula should take these steps right away:
- Stop feeding it to any infant immediately.
- For unopened cans, return them to Target or Nara Organics for a full refund. The company has set up a simple process on its website.
- For opened cans, photograph the lot number and use-by date on the bottom, then store the can safely away from children for potential testing. Mark it clearly as “DO NOT USE.”
- Thoroughly clean any bottles, scoops, surfaces, or high chairs that came into contact with the formula using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
- Contact your pediatrician or seek emergency care if your baby shows any symptoms of infant botulism, even mild ones. Healthcare providers should immediately call California’s Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program at 510-231-7600 for consultation and possible antitoxin treatment. Early treatment dramatically improves outcomes.
The company has apologized to families and emphasized its commitment to transparency, promising regular updates on its website and through customer email. Officials stress that this recall is precautionary while laboratory testing continues.
This latest incident serves as a reminder for all parents about baby formula safety. Always follow preparation instructions exactly, check expiration dates, and report any concerns about infant formula to the FDA. Breastfeeding, when possible, or using iron-fortified formula from major trusted brands remains the recommended approach for most infants. Those who choose organic or specialty formulas should stay vigilant about recalls.
The investigation into the Nara Organics cases remains active. Health authorities continue to monitor for additional illnesses and work to determine how the contamination may have occurred. In the meantime, the swift recall and successful treatment of the affected infants highlight the strength of the U.S. food safety surveillance system and the critical role of specialized medical programs in protecting the youngest and most vulnerable Americans.
