Nara Organics Baby Formula Recalled Nationwide Over Infant Botulism Cases

Nara Organics has issued a nationwide recall for its organic baby formula after a multistate outbreak of infant botulism. The formula was sold in Target stores and online, including Nara.com.

Three babies, between 2 and 5 months old, became ill in April and May in California, Pennsylvania, and Washington. These infants were hospitalized and received treatment for infant botulism following consumption of Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Powdered infant formula, according to federal authorities.

Infant botulism is a rare but serious illness affecting babies under one year of age, whose gut microbiomes are still developing. It results from infants ingesting bacteria with spores that produce a toxin in the gut. Symptoms can include constipation, poor feeding, drooping eyelids, weak muscle tone, difficulty swallowing, and breathing problems. Immediate medical attention is crucial if these symptoms appear, with the sole treatment being BabyBIG, an IV medication derived from blood plasma.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated that Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula accounts for less than 1% of all infant formula sold in the United States, meaning the recall does not pose concerns about formula shortages for parents and caregivers.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advises consumers to stop using the formula immediately. For opened cans, the CDC recommends taking a picture, recording the lot number and use-by date, labeling the can "DO NOT USE," and storing it safely away from other baby feeding items for at least a month. If no symptoms develop after a month, the leftover formula can then be discarded. The formula is manufactured in Europe but distributed exclusively in the U.S.

According to Fortune, authorities urged the recall due to the serious health risk.