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In June 2026, Nara Organics recalled every lot of its Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula after federal health officials linked the product to a cluster of infant botulism cases. Here's what's actually known, in plain terms.
What was recalled
The recalled product is Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula, sold at Target stores, Target.com, and Nara.com between July 2025 and June 2026. The recall covers all lots — not a specific batch or date range — meaning any container of this exact product currently in a home should be treated as recalled.
How the recall came about
Federal officials identified infant botulism cases and traced them back to this formula. The company announced the recall on a Saturday in mid-June 2026, shortly after being notified of the findings. As of the most recent public update, four infants with confirmed infant botulism had been reported across three states — California (2 cases), Pennsylvania (1 case), and Washington (1 case). All four infants were hospitalized and treated; no deaths have been reported.
What is infant botulism, and why formula specifically?
Infant botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Unlike foodborne botulism in older children and adults (usually from improperly canned food), infant botulism in babies under 12 months typically happens when bacterial spores — which can be present in honey, soil, or certain foods — are ingested and then colonize an infant's still-developing gut, where they produce the toxin internally. Investigators are working to determine exactly how contamination may have entered the formula's production or packaging process; as of this writing, the company and federal agencies have not published a final root-cause finding.
Signs and symptoms of infant botulism
- Constipation (often one of the earliest signs)
- Weak, altered, or "flat" cry
- Poor feeding or noticeably reduced sucking strength
- Decreased muscle tone — a baby who seems unusually floppy or has trouble holding their head up
- Drooping eyelids
- Difficulty swallowing, with increased drooling
- Lethargy or a marked change in alertness
These symptoms can progress over hours to days. Infant botulism is treatable, especially when caught early — if your baby has consumed this formula and shows any of the signs above, contact your pediatrician right away or go to an emergency room.
Should you be worried about a formula shortage?
No. Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula makes up less than 1% of all infant formula sold in the United States. Federal officials and the company have both stated this recall does not create supply concerns for parents using other formula brands.
What to do right now
- Stop feeding your baby this specific product immediately if you have it.
- Check the container against the official recall notice for exact product naming, since counterfeit or relabeled products can sometimes cause confusion during a recall.
- Don't panic if your baby has consumed it and shows no symptoms — most babies who consumed formula from a recalled lot do not necessarily develop illness, but staying alert to the signs above for the following days is a reasonable precaution.
- Contact your pediatrician with questions specific to your baby, especially if you're unsure whether a symptom is worth an urgent visit.
- Follow the manufacturer's and FDA's instructions for retaining, returning, or disposing of the product, since recall processes sometimes ask you to keep the container and lot number for reference.
The bigger picture on formula safety
Recalls like this one are alarming, but they're also part of a food-safety system that's actively working: the pattern of illness was identified, traced to a specific product, and acted on quickly, at a small number of cases rather than a larger outbreak. If you're feeling anxious about formula safety generally, it's worth remembering that the vast majority of infant formula sold in the U.S. is manufactured and tested under strict FDA oversight, and recalls — while unsettling — represent that oversight functioning as intended.
Frequently asked questions
What exact product was recalled?
Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula, sold at Target stores, Target.com, and Nara.com between July 2025 and June 2026. All lots are included in the recall, not a specific date range.
How many babies were affected?
As of the most recent public update, four infants with confirmed infant botulism were reported across three states — California, Pennsylvania, and Washington. All were hospitalized and treated, and no deaths have been reported.
Will there be a formula shortage because of this recall?
No — this specific product makes up less than 1% of all infant formula sold in the U.S., and officials have stated the recall does not create shortage concerns for other formula brands.
