The Nara Organics Infant Formula botulism outbreak has ended with four sick in three states, according to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). All four infants were hospitalized. That formula was recalled.
The case count by state was: California (2), Pennsylvania (1), and Washington (1). Illness onset dates range from April through May 2026. The patient age range is 68 days (2 months) to 153 days (5 months). All four infants were hospitalized and treated with BabyBIG®, the FDA-approved treatment for this infection that was developed by the California Department of Health.
Leftover Nara Organic infant formula was collected for testing. Lab results confirmed that Clostridium botulinum bacteria were present in an open can of the formula. Epidemiological, traceback, and laboratory data confirmed that Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula was contaminated and made infants sick.
The data indicate that there was a common source of contamination for this outbreak and a 2025 outbreak linked to ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula. Whole genome sequencing linked a patient sample from this outbreak to a patient sample, product samples, and ingredient samples collected during that 2025 outbreak. The source was whole milk powder; the powder was supplied by Organic West Milk and spray dried by Dairy Farms of America. The FDA does not have enough evidence to determine whether the milk was contaminated before it was dried or during the drying process.
Powdered infant formula has a long shelf life. Please check to see if you have any of this recalled formula. If you do, do not give it to your child. You can throw it away in a secure trash can after first double bagging the can so other people can’t see it, or you can take it back to the store where you purchased it for a full refund.
The symptoms of infant botulism are different from botulism symptoms in older children and adults. Learn these symptoms so you can know what to look for and get your child help as soon as possible.
