SEATTLE — Nara Organics announced on Saturday, June 13, a nationwide voluntary recall for all cans of its Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on June 12, 2026, provided epidemiological information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) linking the infant formula to three cases of infant botulism, including one in Washington state. All three affected infants were hospitalized, though no deaths have been reported.
Nara Organics said in its recall notice that “the health of all babies is our first priority” and expressed being “heartbroken for the concern and stress this may cause your family.”
A multi-state investigation by the FDA and CDC has commenced with local partners in California, Pennsylvania, and Washington. Illness onset dates for the cases ranged from April through May 31, 2026. All cases involved toxin type A botulism and were tied to consumption of the Nara product.
The recalled formula was manufactured in Europe and distributed nationally through Target retail stores, Target.com, and Nara.com between July 2025 and June 2026. It was not sold outside the United States.
The recalled lot codes of Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula are the following:
- 408125075E14F2
- 708125076E14F2
- 708125083E14F2
- 408125139E14F2
- 708125141E14F2
- 708125145E14F2
- 708125174E14F2
- 709125273E14F2
- 709125280E14F2
- 709125288E14F2
- 409125307E14F2
- 70926019ENNB
- 70926029ENNB
- 70926035ENNB
- 70926039ENNB
- 70926042ENNB
Nara Organics’ Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula accounts for less than 1% of infant formula sold in the U.S., and officials said the recall does not raise concerns about shortages. Nara Organics stated that no formula from the company has tested positive for Clostridium botulinum, the spore-forming bacterium that produces the toxin responsible for botulism. Testing of leftover product samples collected by federal and state officials is ongoing, with results expected in the coming weeks.
Washington state families who purchased Nara Organics formula are urged to stop using it immediately. The company is offering refunds: customers who bought directly from Nara.com in May or June 2026 will receive automatic refunds, while others can submit a photo of the lot code on the bottom of the can through a refund request form on the company website. Target customers should follow the retailer’s return process.
Infant botulism occurs when C. botulinum spores germinate in the intestines of babies younger than 1 year and produce toxin. Initial symptoms often include constipation and poor feeding. These can progress to loss of head control, difficulty swallowing, a weak or altered cry, decreased facial expression, and in severe cases, breathing difficulties or respiratory arrest. Symptoms may take several weeks to appear after ingestion of contaminated formula.
If an infant has consumed the product and develops symptoms, seek immediate medical care. Families with leftover formula and a symptomatic child are advised to photograph the container before discarding it and may retain opened product labeled “DO NOT USE” for possible testing by health authorities. Wash any items or surfaces that contacted the formula with hot soapy water or in a dishwasher.
Physicians who suspect infant botulism in a patient should immediately contact the Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program at 510-231-7600 for consultation, available 24/7. Consumers can report adverse events through FDA channels.
Author: Mario Lotmore
