Infant Botulism Cases Linked to Recalled Nara Organics Infant Formula

San Diego County health officials are urging parents and caregivers to immediately throw out or return Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula after it was linked to a multistate infant botulism outbreak involving California, Pennsylvania and Washington.  

Infant botulism is rare but serious. It occurs when bacteria grow in a baby’s intestines and produce a toxin that can cause muscle weakness and trouble breathing if not treated properly. 

Nara Organics has issued a voluntary recall for all lots of its Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula sold online at Nara.com and Target.com and in Target stores, from July 2025 through June 2026. 

County Environmental Health and Quality staff are working with local retailers to ensure the product is removed from shelves. 

Parents and caregivers should not use any unopened containers of the recalled formula. If a baby has consumed the recalled formula and you still have the open container, the FDA advises photographing or recording the brand and lot number, sealing and labeling the container “do not use,” and storing it for 30 days in case health officials need to test it. 

Seek medical care right away if a baby shows symptoms after drinking the recalled formula. Infant botulism primarily affects babies younger than six months.  

Symptoms can appear three to 30 days after exposure and can include: 

• Constipation 

• Poor feeding 

• Weak crying 

• Loss of head control 

• Trouble swallowing 

County Public Health officials have alerted health providers about the recall. 

Anyone with health concerns should contact a healthcare provider immediately. 

By Fernanda Lopez Halvorson | June 17, 2026 | County of San Diego Communications Office

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