Three infants — in California, Pennsylvania, and Washington — have been hospitalized with infant botulism in a multistate outbreak linked to Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula, federal health agencies announced June 13, 2026.
The affected infants ranged in age from 2 to 5 months when illness began. All three were hospitalized and received BabyBIG® (botulism immune globulin intravenous [human]), the only FDA-approved treatment for infant botulism. No deaths have been reported.
On June 13, 2026, Nara Organics voluntarily recalled all lots of Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula sold through Target stores, Target.com, and Nara.com between July 2025 and June 2026. The recall class has not been confirmed in available public sources; this story will be updated as that information becomes available.
Importantly, no Nara Organics formula has tested positive for Clostridium botulinum as of publication. State officials have collected leftover formula samples for testing; results are expected in the coming weeks. The contamination pathway has not been determined.
Infant botulism — distinct from foodborne botulism — occurs when infants ingest C. botulinum spores that germinate and produce toxin within the intestinal tract. It is not caused by ingesting preformed toxin. The bacteria are widespread in the environment and are occasionally found in dust and soil. Powdered infant formula is not a sterile product.
Federal agencies have not disclosed which botulinum toxin type was confirmed in these cases. Nara Organics accounts for a small fraction of U.S. infant formula sales; widespread shortages from this recall are not expected.
The FDA and CDC are continuing their joint investigation. Caregivers who have used Nara Organics formula and notice symptoms of weakness, poor feeding, weak cry, or constipation in their infant should seek immediate medical attention.
This story will be updated as the investigation progresses.