Do I need to throw out recalled Nara infant formula? What parents should know
FDA says all lots of Nara Organics infant formula currently on the market are recalled after a June 2026 infant botulism investigation. Here is what parents should do now, which symptoms need emergency care, and what is still unknown.
If you have Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula at home, stop using it now. On June 13, 2026, the FDA posted a nationwide recall covering all lots currently on the market after a multistate infant botulism investigation.
This is a product-specific recall, not a warning against all formula feeding. The FDA says its investigation is still in the early stages, and testing of leftover formula was still underway.
What was recalled
The recall applies to Nara Organics Whole Milk Infant Formula sold in 700-gram and 400-gram cans. According to the FDA recall notice, the product was distributed nationwide through Target retail stores, Target.com, and Nara.com between July 2025 and June 2026.
FDA says all lots currently on the market are included. Parents should check the bottom of the can for the lot code before returning, storing, or discarding the product.
Why health officials are concerned
FDA and CDC said they are investigating three confirmed or suspected infant botulism illnesses in California, Pennsylvania, and Washington. All three infants were hospitalized. FDA listed the most recent illness onset as May 31, 2026.
Health officials have not finished the investigation. FDA said leftover formula collected in two states was being tested, with results expected later. That means the public warning is based on a serious outbreak signal and a recall, while laboratory work is still ongoing.
Symptoms that need emergency care
CDC says infant botulism can start with symptoms such as constipation, poor feeding, loss of head control, difficulty swallowing, drooping eyelids, a weak or altered cry, low muscle tone, or trouble breathing.
This can become life-threatening. If a baby who used the recalled formula has symptoms of botulism, seek emergency care right away. MedlinePlus says parents should go to the emergency room or call 911 if an infant has botulism symptoms.
What parents can do right now
- Stop using the recalled formula immediately.
- Photograph the can and write down the lot code and other package details before discarding or returning it.
- If your baby has symptoms and you still have opened formula, label it DO NOT USE and keep it stored safely away from other feeding items in case state health officials want it tested.
- Wash bottles, nipples, scoops, and any surfaces that may have touched the formula with hot soapy water or in a dishwasher.
- If you need a replacement feeding plan, contact your child’s pediatrician or another clinician about what formula to use next.
- If you bought the product from Target or from Nara’s website, follow the company’s or retailer’s return or refund instructions.
What this does not mean
This recall does not mean all infant formula is unsafe. CDC notes that commercial powdered infant formula is not guaranteed to be sterile, but that is different from saying parents should avoid formula feeding in general.
FDA also said Nara Organics accounts for less than 1% of infant formula sold in the United States, and the agency said this recall should not create broader formula shortage concerns.
What is still unknown
The biggest unanswered question is whether testing will confirm contamination in the leftover formula samples. As of the June 13, 2026 FDA alert, that work was still in progress.
For families, the immediate next step is simple: do not use this specific formula, know the warning signs, and get urgent care quickly if an exposed infant seems weak, is feeding poorly, has trouble swallowing, or has breathing problems.
Sources
Editorial note: Weence articles are researched from cited public-health, medical, regulatory, journal, and reputable news sources and may be drafted with AI assistance. They are checked for source support, clarity, and safety guardrails before publication.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Research findings can be early or incomplete, and health guidance can change. Always talk with a qualified healthcare professional about personal symptoms, diagnosis, medications, vaccines, screenings, or treatment decisions. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call emergency services right away.
