Nara Organics is voluntarily recalling all cans of its infant formula sold online and at Target stores nationwide. The action follows a federal investigation into three infant hospitalizations.
On June 13, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration reported that three infants, aged two to five months, contracted infant botulism after consuming Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula. The cases occurred across California, Pennsylvania, and Washington.
The FDA describes the illness as rare but potentially fatal. The CDC warns symptoms may take several weeks to appear and can include constipation, poor feeding, loss of head control, difficulty swallowing, and decreased facial expression. Parents are urged to seek immediate medical care if their infant exhibits these symptoms after consuming the product, and to monitor children for a full month after their last exposure.
The company is issuing automatic refunds for website purchases made in May or June. Target customers are advised to follow the retailer’s return policies. The CDC notes the brand represents less than one percent of the U.S. market, and formula shortages are not expected.