CDC Warns Parents to Immediately Stop Using Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urged parents to stop using all Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula on June 13, 2026, following an outbreak of infant botulism. The agency linked the powdered formula to cases of the rare but serious paralytic illness in infants.

The warning came as part of a CDC outbreak update issued at 8:00 a.m. on June 13, 2026. Health officials stated that the powdered product is connected to the current cluster of botulism cases. Parents and caregivers are instructed to immediately cease use of the formula and dispose of any remaining stock.

Infant botulism occurs when spores of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum are ingested and colonize the infant’s intestinal tract. Once colonized, the bacteria produce a neurotoxin that blocks nerve functions, leading to muscle weakness and potential respiratory failure.

What are the symptoms of infant botulism?

According to CDC guidelines, infant botulism typically manifests as a gradual onset of muscle weakness. The most common early sign is constipation, which often precedes other neurological symptoms.

Caregivers should monitor for the following clinical signs:

• A “floppy” appearance, also known as hypotonia, where the baby lacks muscle tone.
• A weak cry that is noticeably quieter than usual.
• Difficulty sucking or swallowing, leading to poor feeding.
• Drooping eyelids or a lack of facial expression.
• Lethargy or an unusual sleepiness.

If these symptoms appear, the CDC advises immediate medical evaluation. Early diagnosis is critical because the illness can progress to respiratory distress if the muscles used for breathing become paralyzed.

How does botulism contaminate infant formula?

Clostridium botulinum spores are commonly found in soil and dust. These spores can contaminate raw ingredients used in powdered formulas if processing and quality control measures fail. Unlike adult botulism, which usually results from eating food containing pre-formed toxins—such as improperly canned goods—infant botulism happens when the infant’s immature gut flora allows the spores to germinate and produce the toxin internally.

Medical literature from the Mayo Clinic notes that infants are uniquely susceptible to this process because their intestinal microbiomes are not yet developed enough to prevent the bacteria from growing. This makes the contamination of infant-specific products particularly dangerous.

The CDC has not yet released the specific point of contamination within the Nara Organics supply chain. However, the agency’s focus on the “Whole Milk Organic” variant suggests the investigation is targeting specific ingredient batches or processing lines associated with that product line.

What is the treatment for affected infants?

Treatment for infant botulism requires hospitalization. The primary medical intervention is the administration of Botulism Immune Globulin Intravenous (BIG-IV), according to CDC protocols.

BIG-IV is an antitoxin that neutralizes the circulating toxin in the baby’s bloodstream. While the antitoxin cannot reverse existing paralysis, it prevents further nerve damage and significantly shortens the duration of hospital stays. In severe cases, infants may require mechanical ventilation to support breathing until the toxin wears off and the nerves recover.

What should parents do now?

The CDC recommends that parents who have used Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula contact their pediatrician immediately, even if the child appears healthy. A physician can provide guidance on monitoring for late-onset symptoms.

Parents are advised to avoid substituting the recalled formula with unverified alternatives or homemade mixtures, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies or further contamination risks. Health officials recommend using only FDA-approved infant formulas from reputable sources.

The investigation into the Nara Organics outbreak remains active. The CDC continues to track the number of confirmed cases and is working with regulatory bodies to determine the scope of the contamination.