At CHOP, we know that news about infant formula recalls can feel stressful and confusing. We are committed to supporting families and our broader community by reviewing the latest updates and translating them into clear, expert guidance. Our goal is to help you understand what this means and feel confident in the steps you take next.

You may have seen on the news that Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula products have been voluntarily recalled by the manufacturer.  Earlier this year, another brand of formula, ByHeart, was also recalled for the same reason.  

Here is what you should know about this recall:  

The CDC and FDA are investigating if Nara Organics formula might be causing an illness called infant botulism. This is a serious illness, but it is rare.

Almost all infants feeding with Nara Organics Whole Milk Infant Formula will be fine, and will not get infant botulism. Across the United States, three infants have been diagnosed with infant botulism while using Nara Organics formula. Even though this number is small, it is important that you take immediate action and stop using it.

What to do if you use Nara Organics Whole Milk Infant Formula

• If you still have the product, take a picture of the lot number (found on the bottom of the can).
  • Complete a Nara refund request form.
• Throw away any unopened Nara Organics Whole Milk Infant Formula in the trash. 
• If you have a supply of formula that was fed to your infant, consider keeping it safely stored inside a plastic bag or container, clearly marked “do not use,” for up to one month for potential testing.  
  • DO NOT feed this to your infant. This supply may be tested in the event your infant may develop symptoms consistent with infant botulism.  
  • If your child does not develop any symptoms within one month, discard of unused formula. 
• Wash all countertops and utensils that could have come in contact with the product with hot soapy water. 

Be reassured that the likelihood of getting sick after using the formula is very small. There is not a readily useful test for this form of botulism. No tests are recommended for healthy babies.  

No matter what formula your baby takes, if you have concerns that your baby is weak, or having trouble feeding, call your healthcare provider. If your baby drank recalled formula, be sure to tell them that, too.  

Why was this formula recalled?  

It was observed that 3 infants investigated for infant botulism this spring/summer had been using this formula.

More resources for your family  

Product concerns: You can contact the company at hello@nara.com. If you would also like to report the exposure to someone else, you can also contact the  FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator. 

Botulism concerns: The Poison Control Center at CHOP is staffed by nurses and pharmacists who offer expert information about poisons, like botulism. You can call them free and 24/7 if you have additional questions about botulism at 1-800-222-1222. If you live outside of the state of eastern Pennsylvania or Delaware, you will reach your state’s Poison Center via that same number.   

Learn more: If you’d like to learn more about this recall, visit the CDC or FDA websites.

This information will be updated as we learn more.