A multistate outbreak of infant botulism linked to Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula has affected three infants across California, Pennsylvania, and Washington, prompting an immediate recall of all product lots. All three infants, ranging from 2 to 5 months old when symptoms began, were hospitalized and treated with BabyBIG, the FDA-approved treatment for infant botulism. No deaths have been reported.

What Is Infant Botulism and How Does It Develop?

Infant botulism occurs when spores from Clostridium botulinum bacteria are swallowed and then infect a baby's large intestine, where they produce a toxin. Unlike foodborne botulism in older children and adults, infants are uniquely vulnerable because their intestinal bacteria haven't fully developed to prevent the spores from colonizing and multiplying.

The condition typically begins with constipation but is usually first noticed through feeding difficulties, a weak or altered cry, and loss of head control. If left untreated, infant botulism progresses to flaccid paralysis, which can lead to breathing difficulties and require weeks of hospitalization.

What Symptoms Should Parents Watch For?

Parents who gave their infants Nara Organics formula should monitor for specific warning signs over the coming weeks. The CDC emphasizes that symptoms can take several weeks to appear, so vigilance is essential for at least a month after the infant last consumed the product.

• Feeding Difficulties: Poor feeding, difficulty sucking and swallowing, or weak feeding patterns are early indicators of infant botulism.
• Muscle Weakness: Loss of head control, decreased facial expression, and a weak cry are hallmark signs that warrant immediate medical attention.
• Constipation: Often the first symptom, constipation may precede other signs by days or even weeks.
• Progressive Paralysis: If untreated, the condition progresses to flaccid paralysis affecting the entire body, including respiratory muscles.

The CDC urges parents to seek immediate health care if their infant shows any of these symptoms. Initial diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms, and treatment with BabyBIG should begin as soon as possible without waiting for laboratory confirmation.

How to Safely Handle Recalled Formula at Home

• Unopened Cans: Throw away or return any unopened cans of Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula immediately. Do not attempt to use them.
• Opened Cans: Take a picture of the opened can and record the lot number and use-by date. Label the container "DO NOT USE" and store it safely away from other baby food items for at least one month in case health officials need to test it.
• Surface Cleaning: Wash any items and surfaces that may have touched the recalled formula using hot soapy water or a dishwasher to eliminate any potential contamination.
• Disposal Timeline: If no symptoms appear after one month, safely dispose of the leftover formula according to local waste guidelines.

The CDC is currently testing opened cans of Nara Organics formula and unopened product samples, with results expected in the coming weeks. This testing will help determine the source of contamination and inform future safety measures.

Why Does Powdered Infant Formula Carry This Risk?

Powdered infant formula, unlike ready-to-feed liquid formulas, is not sterile. The manufacturing process does not eliminate all bacterial spores, which is why infant botulism cases have historically been associated with powdered formulas. This is particularly concerning for very young infants whose intestinal microbiomes are still developing and lack the protective bacteria that prevent Clostridium botulinum colonization.

Parents who have concerns about formula safety or who believe their infant may have consumed the recalled product should contact their state health department or seek immediate medical attention. The FDA also maintains a Safety Reporting Portal where parents can report complaints or adverse events related to infant formula.

As of the CDC's June 13, 2026 alert, all three affected infants received prompt treatment and survived. However, this outbreak underscores the importance of staying informed about formula recalls and recognizing early warning signs of infant botulism, which remains a serious but treatable condition when caught early.