Used recalled Nara Organics formula? What parents should watch for

If you have Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula at home, the most important step is simple: stop using it right away. Federal health officials are investigating a multistate infant botulism outbreak linked to this recalled powdered formula, and parents are being told to watch exposed babies for symptoms for up to a month after the last feeding.

As of July 6, 2026, CDC and FDA reported 4 confirmed infant botulism cases in 3 states: California, Pennsylvania, and Washington. All 4 infants were hospitalized. No deaths had been reported.

What health officials reported as of July 6

Nara Organics recalled all Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula on June 13, 2026. CDC says the product was sold at Target stores, Target.com, and Nara.com. The agency also says this brand accounts for less than 1% of infant formula sold in the United States, so shortages are not expected from this recall.

FDA says all 4 infants in the outbreak consumed this formula. Testing of unopened product is still underway. The agency also says California public health officials found Clostridium botulinum in an opened can taken from the home of one sick infant. Investigators are still working to determine the root cause and whether any additional products are affected.

If your baby used this formula, what to do now

Stop using the recalled formula immediately.
If you have unopened cans, throw them away or return them, following the recall instructions.
If you have an opened can, take a photo of the label and record the lot number and use-by date. Consider keeping the can in case public health officials want to test it later. Write DO NOT USE on it and store it away from anything else you feed your baby for at least 1 month. If no symptoms appear after a month, throw the leftover formula away.
Wash bottles, nipples, scoops, and nearby surfaces with hot soapy water or in the dishwasher if they may have touched the formula.
Write down when your baby last used the formula. Keeping the date and container details handy can help if your pediatrician or health department asks about exposure.
If your baby was born premature, has special feeding needs, or you are unsure what formula to use next, call your child’s pediatrician. The American Academy of Pediatrics says many families can switch to a similar formula, and families using WIC should generally be able to get a comparable replacement product through their WIC office.

What to watch for over the next month

CDC says symptoms can take several weeks to develop, which is why parents are being told to watch for illness for a month after the last use. Infant botulism is rare, but it is serious because it affects the nerves and can lead to weakness, trouble swallowing, and breathing problems.

Warning signs described by CDC, MedlinePlus, and the American Academy of Pediatrics include:

Constipation, often the first sign
Poor feeding or weak sucking
A weak or different-sounding cry
Droopy eyelids
Less facial movement or a flatter facial expression
Trouble swallowing or less gagging than usual
Loss of head control
A floppy body or limp arms and legs
Extreme sleepiness or unusual tiredness
Breathing that slows, becomes difficult, or stops

When to get medical help right away

Seek immediate medical care if your baby used the recalled formula and develops poor feeding, loss of head control, difficulty swallowing, decreased facial expression, constipation with unusual weakness, a weak cry, or new floppiness. Do not wait to see if symptoms pass on their own.

Call 911 or go to the emergency room now if your baby has trouble breathing, breathing that slows or stops, is very hard to wake, or seems to be getting rapidly weaker or floppier. Infant botulism can be life-threatening and may require breathing support.

What is known, and what is still uncertain

What is known: This recall involves one specific product line: Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula. Federal agencies have linked it to 4 confirmed infant botulism cases, and all 4 infants were hospitalized.

What is still uncertain: FDA says testing of unopened product is still in progress, and investigators are still trying to determine the root cause of the outbreak and whether any other products are involved.

Common worries parents may have

Does this mean all infant formula is dangerous?
No. This is a specific recall tied to one product. Most infant formula on the market is not part of this alert.

Will my baby definitely get sick if they used it?
No. Not every baby who used the recalled formula has been reported sick. But because infant botulism can become severe, the safest next steps are to stop using the formula, keep the container details, and watch closely for symptoms for 1 month after the last feeding.

The bottom line

If you have this recalled formula, stop using it now, clean any feeding items it may have touched, and keep the package details. Then monitor your baby for a month after the last use. If any symptoms of infant botulism appear, get medical care right away. If breathing is affected or your baby becomes very floppy or hard to wake, call 911 or go to the ER immediately.

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.