Health officials in Los Angeles County and Pasadena on Wednesday warned against feeding children Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula because of an infant botulism outbreak linked to the product.
The LA County Department of Public Health reported no confirmed cases in the county, but officials are monitoring the situation as state and federal agencies investigate suspected and confirmed cases in California, Pennsylvania and Washington.
Pasadena, which has its own Public Health Department, also reported no confirmed infant botulism cases.
Health officials have connected three suspected or confirmed cases with Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula. All three infants were said to have consumed the product.
Health officials urged parents and caregivers to immediately stop using the product and, after recording the lot number, either discard it or return it to the place of purchase.
The manufacturer has voluntarily recalled all lots of the formula, which was sold nationwide through Target stores, Target.com and Nara.com between July 2025 and June 2026.
“The health of all babies is our first priority, and for that reason, we’re issuing a voluntary recall for all cans of Nara Organics infant formula currently available in the U.S.,” according to a statement from the company. “Stop using all Nara Organics infant formula immediately. We are heartbroken for the concern and stress this may cause your family.”
Symptoms from consuming tainted formula include constipation, difficulty feeding, sucking or swallowing, a weak cry, diminished facial expression, poor head control, muscle weakness or breathing problems.
“While no cases have been reported in Pasadena, parents should seek immediate medical attention if their infant shows any symptoms after consuming the recalled Nara Organics formula,” Dr. Parveen Kaur, Pasadena health officer, said in a statement. “Rapid treatment can make all the difference after exposure.”
Infant botulism is a rare, but serious illness occurs when Clostridium botulinum spores invade an infant’s intestines and produce a toxin that can cause progressive muscle weakness and respiratory failure if left untreated.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Food and Drug Administration and California Department of Public Health are investigating the outbreak. Officials are testing leftover formula collected in two states, according to LA County Public Health.
Officials also advised parents and caregivers to wash any items or surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled formula using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher.
Additional information for parents and caregivers is available from county’s Public Health InfoLine, 833-540-0473.
The FDA’s announcement of the recall also contains additional information — https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/nara-organics-recalls-all-lots-nara-infant-formula-because-possible-health-risk.