Key points
- CDC, FDA, the Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, and public health officials in several states are investigating a multistate outbreak of infant botulism linked to recalled powdered infant formula.
- Infant botulism is a rare but serious illness that can happen when a baby swallows spores of Clostridium botulinum bacteria.
- Infant botulism often starts with constipation but is usually first noticed as difficulty feeding (trouble sucking and swallowing), a weak or altered cry, and loss of muscle tone.
- Do not feed infants recalled Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula.
Investigation details
CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, the California Department of Health Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program (CDPH IBTPP), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are collecting different types of data to investigate a multistate outbreak of infant botulism.
Epidemiologic data show that Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula might be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum and made infants sick.
Epidemiologic data
As of June 13, 2026, 3 infants with confirmed or suspected infant botulism have been reported from 3 states: California (1), Pennsylvania (1), and Washington (1). Laboratory confirmation for some cases is ongoing. Illnesses started on dates ranging from April through May 2026. All 3 infants were hospitalized and treated with BabyBIG. No deaths have been reported. Infants ranged in age from 86 days (2 months) to 153 days (5 months) at onset of illness.
State and local public health officials are interviewing caregivers about the foods infants were fed in the month before they got sick. All (100%) reported feeding the infants Nara Organics infant formula.
Laboratory data
Federal and state public health departments are collecting and testing opened cans of infant formula and unopened product samples. Testing is underway, and results are expected in coming weeks.
Public health actions
On June 13, 2026, Nara Organics recalled all of its infant formula. If you have any Nara Organics infant formula, do not use it. The public health investigation is ongoing.