Federal health officials are urging parents to stop using Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula after three babies were hospitalized with botulism in a multistate outbreak linked to the product.
The infants were 2 to 5 months old and were treated with BabyBIG, the FDA-approved therapy for infant botulism. Cases were reported in California, Pennsylvania and Washington, according to the CDC.
Nara Organics issues recall as testing begins
Nara Organics recalled all lots and can sizes of its Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula on Friday, while federal health officials investigate whether the formula was the source of the outbreak. The CDC said testing of opened and unopened samples is underway, with results expected in the coming weeks.
The company said in a statement posted on its website that parents should “Stop using all Nara Organics infant formula immediately,” adding, “We are heartbroken for the concern and stress this may cause your family.”
The formula is sold nationwide through Target stores, Target.com and Nara.com. The CDC advised parents and caregivers to throw away or return any unopened cans of the recalled formula.
What officials want parents to watch for
Officials said opened cans may be kept separately if an infant develops symptoms, since state health departments may request samples for testing. Infant botulism happens when spores from Clostridium botulinum enter a baby’s digestive tract and produce a dangerous toxin.
Early symptoms can include constipation, difficulty feeding, a weak or altered cry and loss of head control. Parents should seek immediate medical attention if an infant who consumed the recalled formula develops poor feeding, difficulty swallowing, decreased facial expression or loss of head control, health officials said.