A baby formula sold at Target stores across the United States has been recalled after federal health authorities linked it to a multistate outbreak of infant botulism. Three infants were hospitalized in California, Pennsylvania, and Washington after consuming the product. Parents who have purchased Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula are being urged to stop using it immediately, regardless of the lot number.
The recall, announced on June 13, 2026, covers all lots and both can sizes — 400 grams and 700 grams — of the formula. No deaths have been reported, but infant botulism can be fatal if left untreated.
Why This Matters
Infant botulism is rare, but it can progress quickly. Babies between two and five months of age are particularly vulnerable because their digestive systems are not yet equipped to prevent Clostridium botulinum spores from producing toxins.
According to the CDC's outbreak investigation page, symptoms of infant botulism often begin with constipation and are then followed by difficulty feeding, a weak or altered cry, drooping eyelids, and loss of muscle tone. In severe cases, infants may develop breathing difficulties that require emergency care.
Parents who have used this formula even weeks ago should remain watchful. The CDC states that symptoms can appear weeks after exposure, and it advises parents to monitor infants for up to a month after their child last consumed the product.
What We Know So Far
The FDA confirmed that the agency contacted Nara Organics on Friday, June 12, 2026, after the CDC reported three confirmed cases of infant botulism — one each in California, Pennsylvania, and Washington.
All three infants ranged from two to five months of age at the time their illness began. All were hospitalized and treated with BabyBIG (Botulism Immune Globulin Intravenous), the FDA-approved antitoxin for infant botulism. No deaths have been reported.
Importantly, no lots of Nara Organics formula have tested positive for Clostridium botulinum. Nara chose to recall all products voluntarily and out of an abundance of caution, citing the severity of infant botulism and the epidemiological link between the sick infants and their formula.
The three specific lot numbers consumed by affected infants are: 709125280E14F2, 709125288E14F2, and 708125174E14F2. These numbers appear on the bottom of the formula cans. However, because all lots are under recall, parents should not use any can of Nara Organics formula — regardless of the lot number.
All of Nara's infant formula was manufactured in Europe and distributed online and in stores nationwide between July 2025 and June 2026.
Where the Risk Is Highest
The confirmed cases are concentrated in California, Pennsylvania, and Washington, but the formula was sold nationally. It was available at Target retail locations across the United States, as well as on Target.com and Nara.com.
This means parents in every major metro area — including New York, Chicago, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Seattle, Los Angeles, and Miami — may have purchased this product.
According to the CDC, Nara Organics represents less than 1 percent of all infant formula available in the United States, and nationwide formula shortages resulting from this recall are not expected.
What Doctors and Experts Say
In its recall statement, Nara Organics said: "Nara is taking aggressive action to ensure the safety of the babies and families who use the product as we work closely with the FDA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and state partners to support their investigation into the root causes of these cases."
The CDC notes that clinical diagnosis of infant botulism is based on symptoms and that if a health care provider suspects the disease, treatment should begin immediately — without waiting for laboratory confirmation. Delayed treatment can lead to serious complications, including respiratory failure.
The FDA's investigation remains ongoing. The agency has noted that the presence of C. botulinum spores in powdered infant formula — while rare — is possible because powdered formula is not sterile, unlike ready-to-feed options. The spores can be found naturally in soil, dust, and some vegetables and may contaminate food during the manufacturing or packaging process.
What the Evidence Shows — and What It Does Not
The FDA and CDC have confirmed an epidemiological link between all three sick infants and Nara Organics formula. This means the investigation's evidence points to the formula as a probable source, not that scientists have isolated the pathogen directly from the product.
No formula samples have tested positive for Clostridium botulinum as of the recall date. The investigation is ongoing, and further testing of product samples, the manufacturing environment, and case interviews is underway. The FDA has not identified the precise source of contamination.
MedicalDaily Evidence Check
- Investigation type: Active multistate outbreak investigation by the FDA, CDC, and state health authorities
- Confirmed cases: 3 infants, ages 2–5 months
- States: California, Pennsylvania, Washington
- Hospitalizations: 3 (all treated with BabyBIG)
- Deaths: 0
- Product tested positive: No (voluntary recall was precautionary)
- Source identified: Under investigation as of June 13, 2026
Who Faces the Greatest Risk?
Infant botulism disproportionately affects very young babies whose digestive systems have not fully developed. According to the CDC, the highest-risk group includes infants in the first six months of life. The illness occurs when Clostridium botulinum spores are swallowed and then germinate and produce toxins in an infant's intestinal tract — a process that does not occur in older children or adults with mature gut bacteria.
Families who relied on Nara Organics formula as a primary or supplemental source of infant nutrition face the most immediate risk. Parents of infants who consumed this formula between April and June 2026 should contact a pediatrician or pediatric emergency room if their child shows any symptoms.
Symptoms and Warning Signs to Watch For
Parents should seek immediate medical attention if a child who consumed Nara Organics formula shows any of the following:
- Constipation (often the first sign)
- Poor feeding or difficulty sucking and swallowing
- Weak or changed cry
- Drooping eyelids
- Loss of head control or generalized muscle weakness
- Labored breathing
The CDC advises: "Do not wait for laboratory confirmation." Clinicians who suspect infant botulism should begin treatment with BabyBIG immediately. The antitoxin is available only from the California Department of Public Health, which is the world's only producer of this medication.
Mild early symptoms can escalate rapidly. If an infant shows any combination of the above warning signs and has recently consumed this formula, contact a pediatrician or go to an emergency room without delay.
What You Can Do Now
- Stop using all Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula immediately. This applies to every lot number and both can sizes.
- Do not return the product to the store before consulting the recall guidance. Photograph the bottom of each can to document lot numbers for any refund requests.
- For online orders from Nara.com, the company has stated that recent orders have been canceled and refunded. Customers who bought in March or April 2026 should photograph the can bottom and contact Nara directly.
- For cans purchased at Target, visit your local store or follow Target's online return instructions.
- Contact your pediatrician if your infant consumed this formula and you have any concerns, even if no symptoms are currently present.
- Seek emergency care immediately if your infant shows symptoms of botulism. Do not wait.
- Report adverse events or illness concerns to the FDA Safety Reporting Portal .
Cost and Access: What Patients Should Know
BabyBIG (Botulism Immune Globulin Intravenous) is available through the California Department of Public Health's Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program. Physicians who diagnose or suspect infant botulism should contact the program for emergency access to the antitoxin. Cost should not be a barrier to access during an emergency — parents should prioritize getting to a hospital and let the medical team handle the treatment logistics.
For formula replacement, the CDC has noted that this recall is not expected to cause a nationwide shortage. Parents can consult their pediatrician about appropriate substitute formulas.
What Happens Next
The FDA's investigation into the root cause of the outbreak is ongoing. Further laboratory testing of formula samples and the manufacturing environment in Europe is expected. The agency has said it will update its outbreak investigation page as new information becomes available. MedicalDaily will update this story as additional cases or findings are reported.
The Bottom Line
This is an active infant safety emergency. Three babies were hospitalized, and all lots of Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula have been recalled. If this formula is in your home, stop using it now and contact your pediatrician. The FDA and CDC are continuing their investigation, and further updates are expected. Parents should not wait for symptoms to appear before seeking medical guidance.
