Baby formula is regulated to make sure it’s safe and provides the right mix of nutrients babies need. But sometimes, formula may be recalled when there is concern about possible contamination or other health risks. When germs get into formula at the factory, for example, it may not smell or look spoiled but can still make babies very sick.
Most baby formula is safe, but it’s important to stay updated on recalls and know what steps to take if one is announced.
Baby formula recalled for botulism concerns
Health officials recently began investigating a multistate
outbreak of a rare illness called
infant botulism linked to powdered infant formula. At least 3 infants in
3 states have become ill after consuming a recalled product,
Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula. All 3 babies were hospitalized and treated with a
botulism antitoxin (antidote). The recalled formula was distributed nationally across Target retail stores, Target.com and Nara.com between July 2025 and June 2026.
What to do if you've used this formula:
Stop using the recalled formula right away.
If your child is experiencing symptoms of infant botulism (see below) after consuming the formula and you still have some in your home, federal health officials recommend taking a picture of the information on the container before throwing it away. Consider keeping any opened formula; if your infant develops signs and symptoms of infant botulism, the state health department may want to test it. Label it "DO NOT USE" and keep it stored in a safe place away from other items you feed your baby.
Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the formula using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
Since symptoms of infant botulism can take time to appear, watch your baby for signs of illness for up to a month after use. If no symptoms appear after a month, throw any leftover formula away.
What is infant botulism?
Infant botulism is caused by a germ called clostridium botulinum (c. botulinum). This germ makes spores that live in soil and dust. If a baby swallows these spores, their body can turn them into a toxin that affects the nerves.
Infants can also get botulism from other sources, including honey, raw milk (from cows or goats) and homemade baby formula. That’s why you should never feed babies honey before their first birthday, and why raw milk and homemade formula is not safe.
Signs & symptoms of infant botulism
Symptoms of infant botulism can start slowly and get worse over time. Watch for:
If your baby shows any of these signs, especially after using the recalled formula, get medical help right away. Infant botulism can lead to breathing problems and may require a ventilator. With early treatment, most babies recover.
Other germs that can get into formula
Other germs that have prompted past baby formula recalls include:
Cronobacter sakazakii, a type of bacteria that can cause a severe, life-threatening infection called
sepsis. It can also cause meningitis (inflammation around the brain and spine). Symptoms of sepsis and meningitis may include poor feeding, irritability,
temperature changes,
jaundice (yellow skin and whites of the eyes), grunting breaths and abnormal movements.
Cronobacter infection can also cause bowel damage.
Salmonella bacteria, which can cause stomach and intestinal illness including severe diarrhea, which can quickly cause
dehydration in babies. More severe cases of
Salmonella infection may include a high
fever, aches, headaches, lethargy, a rash and
blood in the urine or stool.
What should I do if my baby's infant formula is recalled?
If your baby's formula is recalled,
immediately stop feeding it to your baby. Check the FDA recalls/safety alert webpage for instructions. You may be required to take the recalled formula to the store for a refund and exchange or call the company to help you. If you are receiving
WIC benefits, you should be able to obtain a different brand of similar formula. But if there is any problem, call your WIC office for advice and assistance.
Do I need to talk to my pediatrician if I switch to a different baby formula?
That is a good idea, but for many formulas you can switch to a similar product made by another company including store brand formulas. Make sure to check the formula cans carefully;
mixing instructions (how much water and formula to add to the bottle) can be different for different formula brands.
Can germs spread in other ways when I'm feeding my baby?
Yes, germs can be found in unclean baby feeding supplies, such as bottles and nipples, as well as unclean counter tops where formula is prepared. Always follow
good safety practices when preparing formula for your infant.
More information