Three Infants Diagnosed With Botulism After Using Recalled Baby Formula

Three infants (ages 2–5 months) in California, Pennsylvania and Washington have been diagnosed with infant botulism after consuming Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula. The product was recalled on June 13 for all lot numbers and both can sizes sold nationwide; Humboldt County identified 16 affected lot numbers. The babies were hospitalized and treated with BabyBIG, with no deaths reported. Health officials urge stopping use of the formula, disposing of unopened cans, and labeling opened cans “DO NOT USE” for testing, keeping them for about a month in case testing is needed. Watch for constipation, feeding difficulties, weak cry, poor head control, and reduced facial expression for up to a month after last exposure; seek medical care if symptoms appear. Physicians should contact California’s Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program to obtain BabyBIG and notify local health authorities, as testing results are expected in coming weeks.