Nara Organics has issued a recall of all lots of its organic infant formula due to a link with infant botulism cases. The recall, announced on June 15, 2026, affects formula sold through the company's website and Target stores. Infant botulism is a serious bacterial infection that can cause muscle weakness, feeding difficulties, and respiratory problems in babies under 12 months old.

What Is Infant Botulism and Why Is It Dangerous?

Infant botulism occurs when babies ingest spores of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which can grow in the intestines and produce a toxin that affects the nervous system. Unlike older children and adults, infants lack the mature gut bacteria needed to prevent these spores from germinating. The condition can develop gradually, starting with constipation, weak crying, poor feeding, and muscle weakness that may progress to paralysis if untreated. This is why powdered infant formulas, which are not sterile products, require careful handling and storage to minimize contamination risk.

How Does Contamination Happen in Powdered Formula?

Powdered infant formula is not a sterile product, meaning it can naturally contain low levels of bacteria or spores. While these levels are typically harmless to older children and adults, infants under one year old are uniquely vulnerable. The contamination can occur during manufacturing, packaging, or storage if conditions allow bacterial spores to survive. This is why the FDA and health authorities emphasize that parents should follow preparation instructions carefully, use safe water, and store formula properly to reduce any additional risk of contamination.

Steps to Protect Your Infant If You Use Powdered Formula

• Check for Recalls Immediately: Visit the FDA website or your state health department's recall page to confirm whether your formula brand or lot number is affected. Nara Organics formula purchased from Target or the company's website should be discarded or returned.
• Use Safe Water for Preparation: The CDC recommends using water that has been boiled and cooled, or bottled water, to prepare powdered formula. Boiling water to at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius) can help reduce the risk of bacterial contamination, though it does not eliminate all risks.
• Store Formula Correctly: Keep powdered formula in a cool, dry place in its original container. Once mixed, prepared formula should be used within two hours at room temperature or refrigerated for up to 24 hours to prevent bacterial growth.
• Watch for Symptoms: Contact your pediatrician immediately if your baby shows signs of weakness, poor feeding, constipation, weak cry, or decreased muscle tone. Early medical intervention is critical for infant botulism treatment.
• Consider Ready-to-Feed Alternatives: Ready-to-feed liquid formulas are sterile products that do not carry the same botulism risk as powdered formulas, though they are more expensive and less convenient for many families.

What Should Parents Do Right Now?

If you have purchased Nara Organics infant formula, stop using it immediately and contact the company or return the product to Target for a refund. The FDA and CDC are investigating the outbreak to determine the source of contamination and whether other formula products are affected. Parents should monitor official recall announcements from the FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and their state health department for updates.

This recall underscores the importance of regulatory oversight in infant nutrition products. The FDA maintains strict standards for infant formula manufacturing, but contamination can still occur. Parents who have concerns about formula safety or who have infants showing symptoms of illness should contact their pediatrician or poison control immediately. The CDC's Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program provides specialized care for affected infants and can be reached through your healthcare provider.

While organic certification indicates that formula ingredients meet certain standards for pesticide residues and synthetic additives, it does not guarantee protection against bacterial contamination. Both organic and conventional infant formulas are subject to the same FDA safety and manufacturing standards. The key to reducing risk is choosing products from manufacturers with strong quality control records, following preparation instructions carefully, and staying informed about recalls.