The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and public health officials in several states are investigating a multistate outbreak of infant botulism linked to Nara Organics organic whole milk infant formula.

The company has voluntarily recalled the formula while the investigation continues. The recalled formula was sold nationwide through Target stores and online through Target.com and Nara.com between July 2025 – June 2026.

A Thurston County infant recently diagnosed with infant botulism consumed Nara Organics whole milk infant formula prior to onset of symptoms.

This is an active investigation.  For the most current updates, please see the CDC and FDA websites.

FDA Outbreak Investigation: Outbreak Investigation of Infant Botulism: Powdered Infant Formula, FDA 

CDC Outbreak Investigation: Infant Botulism Outbreak Linked to Powdered Infant Formula, CDC

In Washington

  • Cases: 1
  • Hospitalizations: 1
  • Deaths: 0
  • Status: Ongoing
  • Recall: Yes

Recall

Product Description:

  • Nara Organics Whole Milk Infant Formula, 700g, UPC 860013251901
  • Nara Organics Whole Milk Infant Formula, 400g, UPC: 860013251918

Lot Codes:
All lots currently on the market are included in the recall. Specific codes are as follows (and can be found on the bottom on the container):

  • 408125075E14F2
  • 708125076E14F2
  • 708125083E14F2
  • 408125139E14F2
  • 708125141E14F2
  • 708125145E14F2
  • 708125174E14F2
  • 709125273E14F2
  • 709125280E14F2
  • 709125288E14F2
  • 409125307E14F2
  • 70926019ENNB
  • 70926029ENNB
  • 70926035ENNB
  • 70926039ENNB
  • 70926042ENNB

About Infant Botulism

Infant botulism is a rare illness that usually occurs in babies through 6 months of age (it can occur in babies up to 1 year of age). On average, 4 cases of infant botulism are reported each year in Washington.

Infant botulism occurs when the baby ingests a bacteria called Clostridium botulinum which can make a toxin inside the digestive system. This toxin can cause the following symptoms:

  • Constipation
  • A weak or altered cry
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Weak muscles in the arms, legs, and neck
  • Floppiness
  • Difficulty holding the head up
  • Breathing problems

These bacteria are naturally present in dust and soil and babies can inhale or ingest the bacteria when they play on carpets or floors. The bacteria can also be naturally present in honey. Infants under 1 year of age should never be fed honey.

To Prevent Infant Botulism

  • A clear source is not identified for most cases of infant botulism.
  • Do not feed infants under 1 year of age honey or foods that contain honey.

More Resources

California Department of Public Health Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program:

Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program

Infant Botulism
 To report a suspected foodborne illness or file a complaint about unsafe food handling practices at an establishment in Washington, use the Foodborne Illness Notification System (FINS).

Advice to Consumers

Do not use recalled infant formula

  • If you have unopened cans of Nara Organics infant formula, throw them away or return them. If you have an opened can of Nara Organics infant formula, see guidance below.

Wash items and surfaces

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

Seek care if your infant becomes ill

  • Seek immediate medical care if your infant consumed Nara Organics infant formula and has any of these signs or symptoms of infant botulism: poor feeding, loss of head control, difficulty swallowing, decreased facial expression.

Report information to FDA

  • To report a complaint or adverse event (illness or serious allergic reaction), visit FDA’s Safety Reporting Portal. If your child has signs or symptoms of infant botulism, seek medical attention before using the portal.

What should I do if I have a leftover (opened) can of Nara Organics infant formula?

  • Take a picture and record the lot number and use-by date.
  • Consider keeping the formula. If your infant develops signs and symptoms of infant botulism, the state health department might want to test the formula.
  • If you keep the formula, write “DO NOT USE” on it. Keep it stored in a safe place away from other items you feed your baby for at least a month. If no symptoms appear after a month, throw the leftover formula away.

Advice to Businesses

  • Do not sell, donate, or use recalled infant formula.
  • Wash and sanitize items and surfaces that may have touched recalled formula.

What Clinicians Should Do

Initial diagnosis of infant botulism is based on clinical signs. If untreated, infants with infant botulism experience a progressive, flaccid paralysis that can lead to breathing difficulties, including respiratory failure, and require weeks of hospitalization. Consultation with the Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Actions to take

  • Call: If you suspect your infant patient has botulism, immediately call 510-231-7600 for case consultation.
  • Treat: Treatment with BabyBIG® is recommended for all suspected cases of infant botulism. If clinical consultation supports infant botulism, begin treatment as soon as possible. Do not wait for laboratory confirmation.
  • Notify: Infant botulism is a notifiable disease. Report all suspected cases to your local county public health department.

For Health Care Providers: Clinical Overview of Infant Botulism, CDC