Second US Infant-Formula Botulism Outbreak in Seven Months: Nara Organics Recalls All Lots
Nara Organics recalled all lots of its powdered infant formula on June 13, 2026 after three infants (CA, PA, WA) were hospitalized with botulism. No deaths; product link suspected, not confirmed. Second outbreak since ByHeart (Nov 2025).
TL;DR — Jun 13, 2026: Nara Organics voluntarily recalls all lots/sizes of Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula after 3 infant-botulism cases (CA, PA, WA; ages 2–5 mo; hospitalized; 0 deaths). Product link epidemiological, not yet confirmed. Second US formula-botulism outbreak in 7 months after ByHeart (48 infants/17 states, Nov 2025).
A factual brief on a recall in progress.
The recall
- Jun 12, 2026: FDA notifies Nara of 3 infant-botulism cases linked to its formula. Jun 13: voluntary recall, all lots/sizes (CDC).
- Cases: 3 infants, CA/PA/WA, 2–5 months, hospitalized, 0 deaths.
- Distribution: Target, Target.com, Nara.com; product manufactured in Europe.
- Status: no Nara product had tested positive for C. botulinum as of recall — link is epidemiological. Nara = <1% of US formula.
Outbreak comparison
| ByHeart (Nov 2025) | Nara Organics (Jun 2026) | |
|---|---|---|
| Recall announced | Nov 11, 2025 | June 13, 2026 |
| Infants sickened | 48 | 3 |
| States | 17 | 3 (CA, PA, WA) |
| Hospitalized / deaths | 48 / 0 | 3 / 0 |
| C. botulinum in product | Confirmed | Suspected — not yet confirmed |
| Where sold | Nationwide | Target, Target.com, Nara.com |
Policy signal
Two formula-linked botulism outbreaks in 7 months. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), Jun 18, 2026: "In just seven months, we have experienced two outbreaks of infant botulism tied to powdered infant formula… are we doing enough to ensure the safety of infant formula in this country?" She renewed the Infant Formula Safety Modernization Act (introduced Mar 2026).
Action (CDC/FDA)
Stop using recalled product; monitor for constipation, weak cry, poor feeding, drooping eyelids, weak muscle tone; seek prompt care. Infant botulism is treatable.
FAQ
What's recalled and when?
All lots/both sizes of Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula; voluntary recall Jun 13, 2026.
Is contamination confirmed?
No — epidemiological link only; no Nara product tested positive as of the recall.
Case count?
3 infants (CA, PA, WA), ages 2–5 months, hospitalized, 0 deaths.
Relation to ByHeart?
Second US formula-botulism outbreak in 7 months; ByHeart (Nov 2025) totaled 48 infants/17 states per CDC.
Symptoms to watch?
Constipation, weak cry, poor feeding, drooping eyelids, weak muscle tone — seek care promptly.
Sources: CDC outbreak page (updated Jun 13 2026), FDA recall notice, CBS News, Consumer Reports.
Image: Fgnievinski, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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