Public Health Warns Against Nara Organics Infant Formula After Botulism Outbreak

On Tuesday, the Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) alerted parents and caregivers to immediately stop using Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula.

The formula has been voluntarily recalled following a multistate outbreak of infant botulism.

Retailers have been notified, and the formula should no longer be available locally. At this time, no cases of infant botulism have been reported in Pasadena, according to a City statement.

“While no cases have been reported in Pasadena, parents should seek immediate medical attention if their infant shows any symptoms after consuming the recalled Nara Organics formula,” said Parveen Kaur, health officer. “Rapid treatment can make all the difference after exposure.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the California Department of Public Health are investigating the outbreak.

As of June 13, three infants from California, Pennsylvania and Washington have been hospitalized with infant botulism after consuming Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula. The infants received treatment, and no deaths have been reported. Officials have collected leftover infant formula for testing and results are pending.

On June 13, Nara Organics recalled all of its Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula products, including every lot number and can size sold nationwide at Target stores.

Parents and caregivers should immediately stop using any Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula. Unopened cans should be discarded or returned to the retailer.

For opened cans, caregivers should take a photograph of the lot number and use-by date, clearly label the container “DO NOT USE,” and store it in a secure location away from other food items for 30 days in case testing becomes necessary. Infants who consumed the formula should be monitored for symptoms for 30 days after their last exposure. If no symptoms develop during that period, any remaining formula should be safely discarded and all bottles, utensils, containers and surfaces that came into contact with the product should be thoroughly cleaned with hot, soapy water. If an infant develops symptoms consistent with botulism, including poor feeding, a weak cry or loss of head control, parents and caregivers should call 911 or seek emergency medical care immediately.

Infant botulism is a rare but serious illness that occurs when spores grow in a baby’s intestine and release toxins that affect the nervous system.

Early symptoms can appear days or weeks after exposure and may include constipation, weak or altered cry, poor feeding, decreased facial expression, drooping eyelids and loss of head control. Without treatment, infant botulism can progress to breathing difficulties and may require hospitalization.

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