SouthernWorldwide.com – The number of U.S. infants who have contracted botulism after consuming recalled Nara Organics baby formula has now reached four, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
These four confirmed cases involve infants located in California, Pennsylvania, and Washington. All of them had consumed Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula. This product was previously recalled last month after initial reports indicated three infants had been hospitalized.
Federal officials are continuing their investigation by testing unopened containers from the affected product batches. The results of these tests are anticipated to be released in the coming weeks, as stated by the FDA.
The organic baby formula in question was distributed nationwide. It was available for purchase at Target stores and also online through the Nara.com website. The FDA confirmed that the four infants fell ill between April and May of 2026.
“Parents and caregivers should stop using Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula immediately,” the FDA strongly advised in a recent statement. “If your child is exhibiting symptoms after consuming Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula, seek immediate health care.”
Infant botulism is a serious, though rare, illness that affects children under the age of one. This condition arises because their gut microbiomes are not yet fully developed. It occurs when infants ingest bacteria spores that subsequently produce a toxin within their digestive system.
Symptoms of infant botulism can include constipation, difficulty feeding, drooping eyelids, low muscle tone, trouble swallowing, and breathing difficulties, among others. The FDA has also emphasized the importance of parents retaining any opened cans of the formula.
This is because state health departments might wish to test the product if an infant develops botulism symptoms. “Label it ‘DO NOT USE’ and keep it stored in a safe place away from other items you feed your baby for at least a month,” the agency recommended.
They further advised, “If no symptoms appear after a month, throw the leftover formula away.” This situation brings to mind a previous outbreak of infant botulism that was linked to the formula brand ByHeart. That outbreak resulted in more than 50 reported illnesses across 19 states.
