The CDC and FDA are investigating a multi-state outbreak of infant botulism that may be connected to the consumption of Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula. The investigation is ongoing. Three babies in California, Pennsylvania, and Washington were hospitalized after consuming the formula, and no deaths have been reported.
Nara Organics has recalled all Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula. If you are using Nara Organics, you should stop using it, switch formulas, save opened cans for testing, and watch your baby for symptoms.
Read on for more information on what you need to know.
What is infant botulism?
Infant botulism happens when spores of Clostridium botulinum—a bacterium found in soil and dust—get into a baby’s digestive system and start producing a toxin that blocks nerve signals to muscles. It’s rare (about 100-150 cases per year in the U.S.), and it almost exclusively affects infants under 12 months because their gut microbiome isn’t mature enough to fight off the bacteria. Infants under 6 months are the most at risk, as are infants who are immunocompromised.
The first sign is usually constipation, followed by a weak cry, trouble sucking or swallowing, and a “floppy” baby who seems to have lost muscle tone. Infant botulism is treatable – there is medication and supportive care – but usually requires a hospital stay.
What causes infant botulism?
This occurs when infants consume food contaminated with this bacteria or absorb it from the air or environment.
It is often very difficult to determine the source. Botulism generally develops 3 to 30 days after exposure, making it very difficult to determine what the exposure was. Honey is a known source of this bacteria, which is why you are told to avoid it with babies under 1 year, although it isn’t clear that this actually causes many cases (don’t freak out if your child has an accidental Honey Nut Cheerio).
Most cases of infant botulism do not have a known cause. This is only the second time an outbreak has been linked to infant formula, following a 2025 outbreak tied to ByHeart formula.
What is happening with Nara Organics’ formula?
The California Department of Public Health reported three infections among infants consuming Nara Organics formula. The babies are 2 to 5 months old, and illness began between April and May 2026.
As of now, no Nara formula has tested positive for C. botulinum, but officials in two states have collected leftover infant formula for testing, and results are expected in the coming weeks.
Nara Organics is a Europe-based manufacturer that accounts for less than 1% of all infant formula sold in the United States, and the recall is not expected to affect the nation’s formula supply.
There are many unknowns here. Most people will not have saved their formula cans, making testing difficult. We will continue to learn more over time.
What should I do?
You should stop using Nara Organics’ formula immediately and save any opened cans you’ve been using for testing. You can throw away or return any unopened cans.
In addition, if you have used Nara Organics’ formula, keep a close eye on your baby for symptoms including constipation, weakness, and fussiness. If you are at all concerned, call your pediatrician (in fact, probably call them now to keep them in the loop). It’s essential to remember that the risk remains very small, but it is good to be aware.
The incubation period for botulism is 3 to 30 days after exposure, so after a month (or if you used the formula more than a month ago), you do not have to worry.
If you do need to switch formulas, be assured that formulas are all very similar in terms of their nutrient mix (due to regulation). Some babies are more sensitive to taste than others, but most babies do fine switching.
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