Three infants hospitalized after botulism outbreak linked to recalled Nara Organics formula.

An infant formula distributed by Target and sold online has been urgently recalled following the illness of three infants who developed botulism, a potentially fatal bacterial infection. The babies, aged between two and five months, were diagnosed with the condition after consuming the product. Botulism is caused by toxins that attack the nervous system, potentially leading to breathing difficulties, muscle paralysis, and, in severe instances, death. While all three infants were hospitalized, no fatalities have been reported to date.

The formula's manufacturer, New York-based Nara Organics, has initiated a recall for all cans of its Whole Milk Organic Powdered Formula. The affected product was sold through Nara's website and in Target stores nationwide. The cans, which were either 14oz or 24oz, were distinguished by a blue color and featured an illustration of a mother cow and calf on the front. The infants fell ill between April and May and resided in California, Pennsylvania, and Washington.

Health officials have instructed consumers to stop using the formula immediately. Those with an open can are advised to photograph the container, record the lot number and use-by date located on the bottom, and monitor the infant for symptoms. The can should be marked "do not use" and stored securely away from other items. If an infant does not exhibit symptoms within a month, the product may then be discarded. All customers are encouraged to contact the seller or manufacturer to request a full refund.

Infant botulism is a rare but serious condition affecting babies under one year of age, whose immature gut microbiomes allow bacteria spores to produce toxins. Symptoms include constipation, poor feeding, drooping eyelids, weak muscle tone, difficulty swallowing, and breathing problems. Immediate medical attention is required if these symptoms appear, with the only treatment being BabyBIG, an intravenous medication derived from the blood plasma of individuals immunized against botulism.

The specific source of contamination in this batch remains unclear, though experts note that spores exist naturally in the environment and can enter powdered products. The FDA has listed 16 lot codes for the full recall, with the three specific codes linked to the sick infants being 709125280E14F2, 709125288E14F2, and 708125174E14F2. A spokesperson for Nara Organics stated, "We sincerely apologize for the concern and distress this announcement causes our customers. We are committed to leading with transparency and accountability throughout this process as we work to identify further information. We will provide additional information as it becomes available."

Nara Organics accounts for less than one percent of the US infant formula market, so the recall is not expected to cause shortages. The product is manufactured in Europe but sold exclusively in the United States. This incident follows a previous botulism outbreak linked to ByHeart baby formula last year, which affected more than 50 infants across 19 states. In the US, approximately 200 to 300 cases of infant botulism are reported annually, with roughly two-thirds classified as infant botulism affecting babies under one year old.