Nara Organics recalled every lot of its powdered infant formula on the market after three infants who consumed the product developed botulism. All three were hospitalized and treated; no deaths were reported in the June announcement.
The recall is broader than the three lot codes associated with the cases. It covers all market lots of both can sizes, so families should not assume a can is safe merely because its code differs from those connected to the hospitalized infants.
Every market lot is included
The FDA-posted recall notice identifies Nara Organics Whole Milk Powdered Infant Formula in 700-gram cans, UPC 860013251901, and 400-gram cans, UPC 860013251918. Lot codes are printed on the bottom.
The formula was distributed nationwide through Target stores, Target.com and Nara.com from July 2025 through June 2026. It was not distributed outside the United States. Because the action covers all lots then on the market, checking the brand and product is more important than looking only for three codes.
Infant botulism affects nerves and muscles
Infant botulism occurs when Clostridium botulinum spores colonize an infant’s immature intestinal tract and produce neurotoxin. The toxin interferes with nerve signals that control muscles. Weakness can progress from feeding difficulty to impaired breathing, making early recognition critical.
Possible symptoms include constipation, poor feeding, drooping eyelids, sluggish pupils, low muscle tone, difficulty sucking or swallowing, a weak or altered cry, generalized weakness and respiratory difficulty. An infant with these symptoms after consuming the formula needs immediate medical care.
Three cases triggered a precautionary expansion
The CDC reported that three infants in California, Washington and Pennsylvania had consumed Nara formula before developing botulism. They were treated with BabyBIG, an intravenous botulism immune globulin used for infant cases. The associated lots were 709125280E14F2, 709125288E14F2 and 708125174E14F2.
Nara formula had not tested positive for C. botulinum when the notice was issued. The company nevertheless recalled all market product while federal and state partners investigated the cases. A precautionary recall can be broader than confirmed laboratory evidence when the possible illness is severe.
Stop feeding the formula immediately
Families should discontinue the recalled formula and switch only after obtaining appropriate feeding guidance for the infant. Prepared bottles, formula dispensers and travel containers may hold product removed from the original can, so those supplies should be traced and handled with the same caution.
A potentially affected infant without symptoms still needs close attention and pediatric guidance. Home remedies cannot neutralize botulinum toxin, and boiling prepared formula is not a substitute for following the recall. Emergency services are appropriate if breathing becomes difficult or weakness is pronounced.
Refund routes depend on the seller
Nara said it would automatically refund website customers who purchased in May or June 2026. Other direct customers can use the company’s refund process, which asks for a photograph of the code on the bottom of each can. Target customers may return product to a store or follow Target’s online return instructions.
Photographs of the can, lot code and receipt should be retained until the refund is complete. Recalled formula should not be donated or transferred to another household. Any disposal step should prevent someone from recovering an intact can for use.
Illness reports support the investigation
Parents and clinicians can report illnesses or adverse events through the FDA’s safety-reporting channels. Details such as the lot code, purchase location, feeding dates and symptom timeline may help investigators determine whether additional cases share a common source.
The recall’s all-lots scope removes guesswork at the kitchen counter. Any Nara Organics Whole Milk Powdered Infant Formula covered by the announcement should leave active use, while medical attention should not be delayed for an infant showing signs of botulism.
Powdered formula is not sterile, which is why preparation, handwashing and clean feeding equipment matter even outside a recall. Those routine precautions cannot make a recalled product acceptable. The all-lots action concerns the formula itself and requires stopping use rather than changing mixing technique.
Constipation is often an early sign of infant botulism, followed by poor feeding and a weak cry as muscle control declines. Because ordinary infant illnesses can share some symptoms, the formula exposure should be mentioned clearly to the clinician or emergency team.
Caregivers who rely on formula may need a rapid replacement supply. Pediatricians, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, and local health departments can help identify suitable options and emergency resources. Formula should not be diluted to make remaining supply last longer.
Containers used by a babysitter, day-care provider or relative may not remain near the original can. Families should notify every caregiver who prepared bottles during the distribution period and compare stored formula with the recalled brand. That outreach also helps reconstruct an exposure timeline if symptoms appear.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by Morning Overview editors prior to publication.
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