Nara Organics is voluntarily recalling all cans of its Whole Milk Organic Powdered Formula after three infants were diagnosed with botulism, a serious and potentially fatal infection, after consuming the product. The formula was sold at Target stores nationwide and through Nara Organics' website.
The infants, aged between two and five months old, became ill between April and May in California, Pennsylvania, and Washington. All three were hospitalized, though no deaths have been reported.
The recalled product comes in 14-ounce and 24-ounce blue cans featuring a mother cow and calf. The specific lot codes associated with the affected infants are 709125280E14F2, 709125288E14F2, and 708125174E14F2. A full list of 16 recalled lot codes is available on the FDA website.
Health officials are advising consumers who have the formula to stop using it immediately. Parents with an open can are instructed to take a picture, record the lot number and use-by date found on the bottom of the can, and monitor their infants for symptoms. The can should be labeled "do not use" and stored safely. It can be discarded after one month if no symptoms develop.
Customers are being urged to contact the seller or manufacturer for a full refund. Nara Organics stated, "We sincerely apologize for the concern and distress this announcement causes our customers. We are committed to leading with transparency and accountability throughout this process as we work to identify further information."
Infant botulism is a rare but serious illness affecting babies under one year old, whose digestive systems are still developing. It is caused by ingesting spores from Clostridium botulinum bacteria, which then produce toxins in the infant's gut. Symptoms can include constipation, poor feeding, drooping eyelids, weak muscle tone, difficulty swallowing, and breathing problems. Immediate medical attention is required for any infant exhibiting these symptoms, with the primary treatment being an IV medication called BabyBIG.
The exact source of contamination in the formula is unclear, though experts note that botulism spores are naturally present in the environment and can contaminate powdered products. The formula is manufactured in Europe but is exclusively sold in the United States. Nara Organics represents less than one percent of the U.S. infant formula market, so the recall is not anticipated to cause widespread shortages.
This recall follows a similar incident last year involving ByHeart's baby formula, which was linked to an outbreak of botulism that sickened over 50 infants across 19 states. In the U.S., approximately 200 to 300 cases of infant botulism are reported annually, with infant botulism accounting for about two-thirds of these cases.