US recalls baby formula after botulism outbreak hospitalises three infants

By Precious Mark

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recalled Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula following a multistate outbreak of infant botulism that left three babies hospitalised, according to a CNN Health report published on a Sunday, citing U.S. health authorities.

The report said the affected infants, aged between two and five months, fell ill in April and May after consuming the formula. The cases were recorded in California, Pennsylvania and Washington states.

The babies were said to have been hospitalised and treated with BabyBIG, the only FDA-approved medication for infant botulism, according to the authorities.

Infant botulism is a rare but serious illness that affects babies under one year of age. It occurs when bacteria spores enter the digestive system and produce toxins that affect the nervous system.

Symptoms include constipation, poor feeding, drooping eyelids, weak muscle tone, difficulty swallowing and breathing problems, among others. Health officials warned that infants showing such symptoms require urgent medical attention.

The recalled product was reportedly sold nationwide in Target stores and online, including through the company’s website.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urged parents and caregivers to stop using the formula immediately.

It advised those with opened cans to take photographs of the product, record the lot number and use-by date, and monitor infants closely for any symptoms.

The CDC further advised that such products should be clearly labelled “DO NOT USE” and kept away from other baby food items for at least one month.

“If no symptoms appear after a month, discard the remaining formula,” the agency said.

Authorities also noted that the product represents less than one per cent of infant formula sold in the United States, adding that the recall is not expected to cause shortages.

The FDA said investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the contamination.