All Nara Organics Infant Formula Recalled Due to Botulism Concerns
Three babies have confirmed cases of infant botulism after consuming Nara Organics formula, the FDA and CDC report. Testing is ongoing.
All cans and all lots of Nara Organics infant formula are being recalled because of the potential risk of contamination with Clostridium botulinum. If you have any containers of Nara Organics infant formula, stop using it immediately, the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say. After three infants who consumed Nara Organics formula were hospitalized with confirmed cases of infant botulism in a multistate outbreak, the company issued a nationwide recall on Saturday, June 13.
No deaths have been reported. Though infant botulism is rare, it can be fatal. A public health investigation is underway and is in the early stages, FDA says. Nara Organics formula is produced in Europe but is sold only in the U.S. at nara.com, in Target stores, and at target.com. The states with confirmed cases are California, Pennsylvania, and Washington.
The news of the Nara Organics infant formula recall comes on the heels of another massive outbreak of infant botulism tied to ByHeart infant formula, which led to all ByHeart formula ever produced being recalled as of December 2025. ByHeart formula was eventually linked to 48 cases of infant botulism in 17 states. No deaths occurred. After all ByHeart formula was recalled, ByHeart encouraged its users to switch to Nara Organics with a 20 percent discount “to help and support ByHeart families make a smooth transition to a new formula,” an Instagram post from ByHeart said.
If your child has consumed Nara Organics formula and is showing signs of botulism, such as constipation, muscle weakness, poor feeding, loss of head control, or difficulty swallowing, seek immediate medical care.
What Is Infant Botulism?
Infant botulism is one of five types of botulism that are primarily caused by a neurotoxin produced from the spores of Clostridium botulinum.
Though rare, infant botulism can be fatal if left untreated. If a child swallows bacterial spores from C. botulinum, the bacteria can multiply in infants’ intestines and create a toxin that attacks the body’s nerves, according to the CDC.
The spores can also sometimes be found in honey, which is why experts warn that infants under the age of 1 should never be fed honey.
Infant Botulism Symptoms
In babies, symptoms of infant botulism can take weeks to a month to appear, but may initially include constipation and difficulty feeding. It can progress to loss of muscle tone and difficulty breathing, and can lead to respiratory distress. It’s most common in babies under 12 months of age.
Symptoms of infant botulism may include:
- Constipation.
- Poor feeding, including difficulty sucking and swallowing.
- Loss of head control.
- A weak and altered cry.
- Diminished facial expression, including drooping eyelids and sluggish pupils.
- Other signs of muscle weakness.
- Breathing difficulty.
Botulism is a medical emergency. If you’re noticing any of the above symptoms in your baby, seek prompt medical attention.
Infant Botulism Treatment
Infant botulism can be treated with an antitoxin known as BabyBIG, which can be requested from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the world’s only producer of the antitoxin. The CDPH reported three botulism toxin type A infections to the CDC after discovering that the three babies had all consumed Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula. Their illness onset was between April and May 2026.
Is Infant Formula Tested for the Botulism Toxin?
The presence of C. botulinum is rare in infant formula, but it’s important to note that powdered infant formula is not considered to be sterile, unlike ready-to-feed formula. The spores can be naturally found in the environment, including in soil, dust, and some vegetables.
The FDA requires that formula makers test for cronobacter and salmonella species in finished infant formula, but not C. botulinum spores. But there has been increased pressure on the FDA to expand testing to include spore-forming pathogens like C. botulinum.
After the ByHeart recall, some formula manufacturers began testing for the potential development of botulism spores. Nara was one of them. “Nara extensively tests every batch of formula beyond FDA and European Union (EU) requirements,” the company stated on its website. “Because detecting C. botulinum is a complex, multi-stage process and requires sophisticated tests and equipment, every batch is thoroughly screened for sulphite-reducing clostridia (SRC), the international microbiological best practice for C. botulinum screening based on published guidance by the International Commission on Microbiological Specifications for Food. In addition, Nara screens for C. perfringens and bacillus cereus, other spore forming organisms, as well as an extensive list of other microbiological parameters.”
About the Nara Organics Infant Formula Recall
Three cases of infant botulism have been reported, in California, Pennsylvania, and Washington. All cases have a direct epidemiological link to Nara Organics infant formula, though testing is ongoing, FDA says. The company says the three specific product lots these infants were exposed to are: 709125280E14F2, 709125288E14F2, 708125174E14F2.
In a statement, Nara Organics said, “Nara is taking aggressive action to ensure the safety of the babies and families who use the product as we work closely with the FDA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state partners to support their investigation into the root causes of these cases.”
Nara Organics Infant Formula Recall Details
The recalled formula was sold at nara.com and at Target stores nationwide, as well as on target.com. The illnesses were first reported in April 2026. After initial testing found a link between Nara Organics formula and the botulism cases, the FDA contacted Nara Organics and recommended a recall.
Lot Numbers Recalled
• All lots of Nara Organics infant formula are being recalled.
• All packages, including two can sizes (700 grams and 400 grams) are being recalled.
All lots currently on the market are included in this voluntary recall, and the specific codes are as follows. The lot code can be found on the bottom of each can.
- 408125075E14F2
- 708125076E14F2
- 708125083E14F2
- 408125139E14F2
- 708125141E14F2
- 708125145E14F2
- 708125174E14F2
- 709125273E14F2
- 709125280E14F2
- 709125288E14F2
- 409125307E14F2
- 70926019ENNB
- 70926029ENNB
- 70926035ENNB
- 70926039ENNB
- 70926042ENNB
Source: FDA Source: FDA
What consumers can do next: Stop using any Nara Organics formula and switch to a new baby formula immediately. Write down or photograph the lot numbers of the formula you may have on hand and store it securely for 30 days, or check with your local health department before disposing of it.
If you have recalled formula, wash all items and surfaces in hot soapy water or in a dishwasher, the CDC says. Consider throwing out any bottles or feeding items that may have come into contact with the formula and replacing them.
Nara will automatically refund all consumers who purchased formula from their website in May and June 2026.
Other customers with unused product may request a refund by taking a photo of the bottom of each can and completing the manufacturer’s refund request form. Target customers may return their product to Target retail locations or follow Target’s online return instructions. Customers with questions are encouraged to go to Nara’s website or email hello@nara.com.
To report an illness, contact your state’s local health department, fill out the FDA’s MedWatch Online Voluntary Reporting Form, or call an FDA Consumer Complaint coordinator.
How to Switch Formulas
If you were using Nara Organics formula to feed your baby, it’s important to switch to a different formula right away because of the risk of infant botulism, medical experts say. Switching your baby’s formula can feel stressful, but it’s important not to panic. Infant botulism is rare, and even if your baby drank formula contaminated with botulism spores, it’s not a guarantee that they will go on to develop infant botulism.
To minimize the risk of exposure, it’s best to make an immediate switch rather than trying to switch gradually. Most babies do fine switching between formula brands when needed, according to the CDC.
Here’s how to ensure a smooth transition when switching formula:
• Stick to your normal feeding schedule and routines to minimize other changes.
• Watch your baby for signs of how they’re digesting the new formula. Spit-up, fussiness, gas, and looser stools can all be normal as your baby adjusts. Severe signs like rash, hives, forceful vomiting, or blood in their stool can be a sign that they are having an adverse reaction to their new formula.
• Stay patient: It can take seven to 10 days for your baby to fully adjust to a new formula. It’s best to minimize other feeding changes or new foods during this transition.
If you have specific questions about your baby’s formula or nutrition, your pediatrician is your best resource.
Choosing a new formula? CR’s baby formula buying guide has expert-backed information on what to look for. Read more about how CR tests infant formula.
