Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Botulism,Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls on June 14, 2026
So far, Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula has been connected to three infant hospitalizations for babies being treated for infant botulism. A deadly infection involving a spore-forming bacteria resulting in paralysis and even death. A recall has been initiated for the product.
What causes infant botulism? What products are involved. How do you know if your child is sick?
Here’s what we know so far about Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula infant botulism outbreak.
At least three children have been hospitalized since April with infant botulism.
What do they all have in common?
They consumed Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula.
Sick babies have been identified in the states of California, Pennsylvania, and Washington. No deaths have been reported so far. The most recent illness began on May 31, 2026.
With illnesses widespread, it is possible that additional cases will be identified as more information becomes available. It can take weeks between the time a sick person begins feeling symptoms, gets tested for the illness, and the information to be uploaded to national databases. Make Food Safe will be following this situation closely.
The Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program was notified of three confirmed or suspected cases of infant botulism (toxin type A) from three different states among infants consuming Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula. The FDA and CDC is working with the Program along with the California Department of Public Health during this outbreak investigation.
Health officials in two states were able to collect leftover infant formula for testing. This testing is in progress, with results expected in the coming weeks.
Infant botulism is caused by a child under the age of one consuming a food or drink contaminated with the dangerous bacteria, Clostridium botulinum. This germ is particularly dangerous to the undeveloped digestive system in babies.
Whereas an adult microbiome can more easily handle this germ. An infant’s cannot. When ingested, Clostridium botulinum can produce a powerful neurotoxin in the body. This impacts the baby’s nerves and muscles and can result in paralysis.
This germ can be found in honey. Which is why children under the age of two should not eat honey or anything made with it.
It is also associated with milk powder. The germ, in spore form, can hide from microbiological tests, only to later shed the protective outer coating once it reaches the child’s intestines. Where it can reproduce and create life-threatening toxins within the body itself.
The FDA contacted Nara Organics on June 12, 2026 to make them aware of the dangerous situation and recommended a product recall “due to the severity of illness and epidemiological signal.”
On June 13, 2026 Nara Organics agreed to voluntarily recall all of their Nara Organics brand Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula.
Recalled Nara Organics products include both the 700g size with UPC 860013251901 and 400g size with UPC 860013251918.
While three specific lots were associated with sick children (70912580E14F2, 709125288E14F2, and 708125174E14F2), Nara organics is voluntarily recalling all products currently on the market.
The product was available for purchase at Target retail stores, Target.com, and Nara.com between July 2025 and June 2026.
Infant botulism can be difficult to notice at first. This is because infants cannot tell you how they feel and initial symptoms may simply come across as typical infant behavior or developmental regression.
Common symptoms of infant botulism include:
Infant botulism is very serious and needs immediate medical care! Almost all babies will recover with proper treatment; however they will need specific medication and likely assistance with feeding and breathing while they recover.
Hearing about an infant formula recall can be scary. Especially if you believe your child may be sick. There are a few things you should do.
If your child is experiencing symptoms it is important to get medical attention right away. Take them to the nearest hospital emergency room where they can be treated and monitored or call 9-1-1.
This is not an illness you should take the chance on monitoring to see if it improves. Infant botulism requires specific treatment involving a specialized antitoxin for babies (BabyBIG). This medication contains antibodies that block the toxin from affecting the baby’s nerves, preventing further paralysis. According to the Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, “if given early, it helps the baby to heal more quickly.” In fact, most of the time treatment is given proactively while the doctor waits for results.
Even with treatment, most infants require hospitalization for a few weeks. Most babies who receive medical care will fully recover, but it may take some time for the muscle strength to return.
If you still have an open container of the potentially contaminated infant formula, it is a good idea to save it.
Carefully package it up and label it so that it isn’t used. Outbreak investigators will likely want to test it to compare results with other patients or product samples.
It is important to sanitize your kitchen, bottles, and any equipment that may have come in contact with the potentially contaminated infant formula. Wipe down cabinets where the product was stored, countertops, accessories.
Everything!
Use a strong enough bleach solution or appropriate sanitizer.
It is also a good idea to get advice from an Infant Botulism Lawyer. Infant formulas are held to the highest standard. Lapses in safety protocols, ingredient acquisition, and potential handling can contribute to Clostridium botulinum contamination.
You expect that the sole food you feed your baby is free from adulteration.
The experienced infant botulism lawyers at The Lange Law Firm, PLLC are dedicated to holding food companies accountable for lapses in food safety that result in illness or injury.
An infant botulism lawyer can:
The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has recovered millions of dollars in product liability and food poisoning cases. They can help you too!
Call (833) 330-3663 for a free, no obligation consultation. Or fill out the online submission form, and someone will get back with you right away.
By Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)