Infant formula recalled due to link to botulism case

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and officials in three other states are investigating an outbreak of botulism linked to powdered infant formula produced by Nara Organics of New York.

"Three infants in three states have been involved in the outbreak, including one infant in Thurston County, whose reported illness led to the nationwide recall," said the agenices in an advisory about the issue released by Thurston County on Monday, June 15.

"All cases included in this outbreak are reported to have consumed the Nara Organics brand powdered infant formula. Nara has voluntarily recalled the formula."

The agenices issued the following guidelines for people who have purchased the formula:

Throw it away or return it to where you bought it. If you still have the container, record the lot number before discarding. If you have an open container, refer to the CDC’s recommendations below.

Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the recalled formula using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.

Seek immediate medical care if your infant has consumed Nara Organics Infant Formula and has any of these symptoms — poor feeding, loss of head control, difficulty swallowing or decreased facial expression.

"Symptoms of infant botulism can take as long as several weeks to develop, so parents should remain vigilant if they used the recalled lots of infant formula," said the agenices in the advisory about the issue.

"Infant botulism is a rare illness that usually affects babies less than (6) months of age. Babies get ill when bacteria (Clostridium botulinum) they have ingested produce a toxin that can weaken muscles.

"These bacteria are naturally found in dust, soil, and honey (which should never be given to babies under a year old). It is rare for a commercial infant food product to be linked to an outbreak of infant botulism. This recall is unrelated to a similar recall in November 2025."

An investigation is ongoing. For the most current updates, please visit CDC outbreak notice and FDA recall information.

Editor's note: This story has been updated.