Infant Botulism Outbreak- Nara Organics Formula
Alert: Nara Organics infant formula recall linked to infant botulism outbreak, for more information click here.
The CDC is working with multiple partners including state public health departments, clinicians, laboratories, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate a multistate outbreak of infant botulism. At this time, there are no confirmed cases in Nevada that have been linked to this outbreak. However, there are confirmed or suspect cases in nearby states and product testing is ongoing.
All Nara Organics formula products have been voluntarily recalled as of June 13th, 2026, due to potential risk of Clostridium botulinum contamination. No formula shortages are anticipated as a result of this recall. If you have any Nara Organics infant formula products, stop using immediately.
For the latest information about the outbreak, please see:
FDA Outbreak Webpage, click here.
CDC Outbreak Webpage, click here.
Nara Organics Webpage, click here.
What is Infant Botulism?
Infant botulism happens when swallowed spores from a type of bacteria called Clostridium botulinum infect a baby’s large intestine and make a toxin. Infant botulism often starts with constipation but is usually first noticed as difficulty feeding (sucking and swallowing), a weak and altered cry, and loss of muscle tone.
What parents and caregivers should do:
- Recommendations if you have Nara Organics infant formula:
- For unopened cans, throw them away or return them.
- If you have leftover (opened) cans of Nara Organics infant formula, take a picture and record the lot number and use-by date.
- Consider retaining any opened formula. If your baby develops signs and symptoms of infant botulism, the state health department may want to test.
- For opened formula, label it “DO NOT USE” and keep it stored in a safe place away from other items you feed your baby for at least a month.
- Always follow steps to safely prepare and store infant formula: https://www.cdc.gov/infant-toddler-nutrition/formula-feeding/preparation-and-storage.html
- To protect your baby when it comes to feeding:
- Do not feed infants honey especially those younger than 1 year old. Honey can contain the bacteria that causes botulism.
- Do not feed infants recalled infant formula.
- Clean, sanitize, and store infant feeding items safely.
- Keep hands and surfaces clean.
- Prepare and store formula safely.
What clinicians should do:
- Initial diagnosis of infant botulism is based on clinical symptoms.
- If you suspect your infant patient has botulism, immediately call 510-231-7600 for case consultation with the Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program (IBTPP). The program is run by the California Department of Public Health and consultation is available 24/7.
- If clinical consultation supports infant botulism, the consulting physician at IBTPP will release BabyBIG®. Begin treatment as soon as possible – do not wait for laboratory confirmation. Infant botulism is a notifiable disease. All suspected cases must be reported to the state public health department through your local health department:
- Southern Nevada Health District (Clark County): (702) 759-1300
- Northern Nevada Public Health (Washoe County): 775-328-2447
- Carson City Health and Human Services (Carson, Lyon, and Douglas counties): 775-887-2190
- Central Nevada Health District (Churchill, Mineral, Eureka, and Pershing counties): 775-866-7535
- Rural Nevada (all other counties): 775-400-0333
Additional Resources
About Botulism: https://www.cdc.gov/botulism/about/index.html
Botulism Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/botulism/prevention/index.html
Nevada WIC website: https://nevadawic.org/
USDA Infant Formula website: https://www.fna.usda.gov/fs/infant-formula