Public Health Alerts Parents and Caregivers to Infant Botulism Outbreak Linked to Recalled Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is recommending parents and caregivers not feed Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula to their children due to an ongoing investigation of a multistate outbreak of infant botulism, currently involving California, Pennsylvania, and Washington. Investigators have identified the formula as a common exposure among those affected. Laboratory testing of the product is underway.

All lots of the Nara Organics brand Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula have been voluntarily recalled. Parents and caregivers should stop using Nara Organics Whole Milk Infant Formula and either throw it away or return it to the point of purchase. If possible, record the lot number. Businesses should not sell, donate, or use recalled infant formula.

Currently, there are no confirmed cases in Los Angeles County.

There have been three suspected or confirmed cases of infant botulism across three states linked to Nara Organics infant formula. All three cases were fed Nara Organics infant formula.

Seek immediate medical care if an infant shows any of the following symptoms:

• Constipation
• Difficulty feeding, sucking, or swallowing
• Weak cry or diminished facial expression
• Poor head control
• Muscle weakness or trouble breathing

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and The California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, which operates the only source of infant botulism treatment worldwide, are coordinating with local public health officials on the ongoing investigation. Public Health is coordinating closely with CDPH, CDC, FDA, and other state and local health departments to monitor potential cases in Los Angeles County and ensure the availability of treatment. The investigation is ongoing.

Healthcare providers are urged to report suspected cases immediately to CDPH to facilitate testing and access to treatment.

About the Infant Formula

On June 13, 2026, Nara Organics agreed to recall all lots of their Nara Organics brand Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula. Nara Organics Powdered Infant Formula was distributed nationally across Target retail stores, Target.com, and Nara.com between July 2025 and June 2026.

Officials in two states have collected leftover infant formula for testing. Testing is underway and results are pending.

Public Health is collaborating with CDPH and federal partners to ensure that any potentially contaminated product is removed from circulation and that infants showing possible symptoms are rapidly identified and treated.

What Parents and Caregivers Should Do

Parents and caregivers should stop using Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula. Throw it away or return it to where you bought it. If possible, record the lot number.

Seek immediate medical care if an infant shows any of the following symptoms:

• Constipation
• Difficulty feeding, sucking, or swallowing
• Weak cry or diminished facial expression
• Poor head control
• Muscle weakness or trouble breathing

Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the recalled formula using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.

About Infant Botulism

Infant botulism is a rare but serious illness that occurs when spores of Clostridium botulinum colonize an infant’s intestines and produce botulinum toxin, leading to progressive muscle weakness and potential respiratory failure if untreated.

The only FDA-approved treatment for infant botulism, BabyBIG®, is produced by CDPH’s Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, which developed and supplies the treatment globally. BabyBIG® shortens hospital stays and significantly improves recovery for affected infants.

Physicians with suspected cases can contact the CDPH Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program at (510) 231-7600 for immediate consultation.

Parents seeking guidance or concerned about possible exposure should contact their physician. They can also contact the Public Health InfoLine at 1-833-540-0473, open every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., for assistance.