Another sick baby confirmed in botulism outbreak linked to Nara Organic Powdered Milk.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently reporting four active cases in California, Pennsylvania, and Washington.
The babies were between 2 and 5 months old when they got sick. All four suffered paralysis and were all admitted to hospital. Babies got sick in April and May. All four sick babies were male, and all four were fed Nara Organic Farm’s powdered milk.
State public health officials collected remaining infant formula for testing. Laboratory testing confirmed the presence of C. botulinum bacteria in an open can of Nara Organics infant formula fed to one of the infants during this outbreak. The FDA is testing unopened milk powder samples from the same lot.
Additional product testing by the FDA and state partners is underway, with results expected in the coming weeks.
Before the sick babies were reported, the Food and Drug Administration investigated two foreign companies that manufactured and packaged the country’s organic baby formula. Both companies were cited for food safety deficiencies, and both companies submitted corrective plans that are under review.
The specific lot of Nara Organics infant formula consumed by the infants involved in this outbreak was made from milk supplied by Organic West Milk and was spray dried by Dairy Farmers of America. These are the same suppliers of milk and formula. 2025 outbreak linked to ByHeart infant formula. However, there is not enough information to determine whether these products are contaminated or cause illness.
While investigating the 2025 outbreak, Organic West Milk provided the FDA with an incomplete customer list. The list does not indicate that milk was supplied to Nara Organic Milk Powder Manufacturers.
Nara Organic recalled all of its powdered milk on June 13th.
About infant botulism
Anyone who develops symptoms of botulism after feeding the recalled product to their baby should seek medical attention immediately. It may take several days to several weeks for symptoms to appear after feeding with formula.
Although infant botulism often begins with constipation, it usually initially presents as difficulty feeding (difficulty sucking and swallowing), a weak or distorted cry, and loss of muscle tone, including the baby’s inability to raise his or her head.
If left untreated, the disease progresses and symptoms worsen, sometimes leading to paralysis of the muscles used for breathing and certain muscles in the arms, legs, and body parts from the neck to the pelvis.
