The Lead Off
- Nara Organics has issued a nationwide recall of its organic infant formula sold at Target stores and online.
- The FDA says the recall follows a multistate outbreak of infant botulism involving hospitalized babies.
- Health officials are urging parents to immediately stop using the affected product and monitor infants for symptoms.
SAN FRANCISCO (WOWO) A nationwide recall has been issued for Nara Organics organic infant formula sold at Target stores and online after federal health officials linked the product to a multistate outbreak of infant botulism.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said three infants between 2 and 5 months old became ill after consuming the formula in cases reported in California, Pennsylvania, and Washington. All three infants were hospitalized and treated.
Recall issued following reported illnesses
The FDA said Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula is being recalled after the illnesses were reported in April and May.
The product is also sold through the company’s website, Nara.com, in addition to Target retail locations nationwide.
Health officials said the outbreak does not pose a supply shortage risk, noting the product represents a small portion of infant formula sales in the United States.
What infant botulism is
Infant botulism is a rare but serious illness that affects children under one year old. It occurs when infants ingest bacteria that produce toxins in the intestinal tract.
Symptoms may include:
- Constipation
- Poor feeding
- Drooping eyelids
- Weak muscle tone
- Difficulty swallowing
- Breathing difficulties
The FDA said infants showing symptoms require immediate medical attention. Treatment typically involves BabyBIG, an IV medication derived from immunized human plasma.
Health guidance for parents
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is advising parents and caregivers who may have purchased the formula to stop using it immediately.
Officials recommend:
- Recording lot numbers and expiration dates
- Photographing packaging for reference
- Monitoring infants for symptoms for at least one month
- Labeling the product “DO NOT USE” and storing it away from other infant foods
The CDC advises discarding any unused formula if no symptoms appear after the monitoring period.
Distribution and manufacturing details
The FDA said the product is manufactured in Europe but distributed exclusively within the United States. The recall applies to products sold nationwide through both retail and online channels.
Authorities emphasized that Nara Organics baby formula represents less than 1% of the U.S. infant formula market.
Next steps in investigation
Federal health agencies continue to investigate the outbreak and monitor for additional cases. Officials say more information will be released as it becomes available, and consumers are urged to follow recall instructions carefully.
The Takeaway
- Nara Organics has recalled its organic infant formula sold at Target and online after a multistate outbreak of infant botulism linked to three hospitalized infants.
- The FDA and CDC are urging parents to stop using the product immediately and monitor infants for symptoms such as poor feeding, weakness, and breathing difficulty.
- Health officials say the investigation is ongoing, but the product represents a small portion of the market and does not currently pose a supply shortage risk.
