Los Angeles County health officials issued an urgent warning Tuesday, advising parents and caregivers to stop feeding Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula to their children due to a multistate outbreak of infant botulism linked to the product. The warning comes after three infants who reportedly consumed the formula fell ill.
All lots of the formula have been voluntarily recalled by the manufacturer.
The recalled formula was sold nationwide through Target stores and Target.com between July 2025 and June 2026. Health officials urged consumers to immediately discard any remaining product or return it to the place of purchase.
If possible, they recommend recording the lot number before disposal.
In a statement, the company expressed deep regret over the situation: "We are heartbroken for the concern and stress this may cause your family. Stop using all Nara Organics infant formula immediately."
Public health officials emphasized that parents should seek immediate medical care if an infant develops symptoms of botulism, which include constipation, difficulty feeding, sucking or swallowing, a weak cry, diminished facial expression, poor head control, muscle weakness, or breathing problems. Infant botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by Clostridium botulinum spores colonizing an infant's intestines and producing a toxin that can lead to progressive muscle weakness and respiratory failure if left untreated.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the California Department of Public Health are jointly investigating the outbreak.
Testing of leftover formula collected in two states is currently underway.
Health officials also advised parents and caregivers to wash any items or surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled formula using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher. For additional information, the Los Angeles County Public Health InfoLine can be reached at 833-540-0473.