Nara Organics has recalled its organic baby formula sold nationwide at Target stores and online after a multistate outbreak of infant botulism, federal authorities announced Saturday.
Three Infants Hospitalized
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported that three babies between 2 and 5 months old became ill in April and May in California, Pennsylvania, and Washington. All had consumed Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula, which is also sold on Nara.com.
The infants were hospitalized and treated with BabyBIG, the FDA-approved treatment for infant botulism.
What Is Infant Botulism?
Infant botulism is a rare but serious illness affecting babies under age 1, whose gut microbiomes are still developing. It occurs when infants ingest bacteria with spores that produce a toxin in the gut. Symptoms include constipation, poor feeding, drooping eyelids, weak muscle tone, difficulty swallowing, and breathing problems. Immediate medical attention is necessary if symptoms appear.
Market Impact and Consumer Guidance
Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula represents less than 1% of all infant formula sold in the United States, so the outbreak does not cause supply concerns, the FDA noted.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urged consumers to stop using the formula immediately. The product is manufactured in Europe but sold only in the U.S. The CDC advised anyone with an opened can to take a picture, record the lot number and use-by date, and monitor infants for symptoms. “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,” the CDC said. “If no symptoms appear after a month, throw the leftover formula away.”
