SANTA FE, N.M. – New Mexico health leaders are warning parents to stop using recalled Nara Organics infant formula after it was linked to three cases of infant botulism that required hospitalization.
The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) issued the alert after Nara Organics recalled all Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula on Saturday, June 13.
Nara Organics Infant Formula
The company sold the formula nationwide in Target stores, on Target.com and on Nara.com. Health officials said the recall followed three cases in California, Pennsylvania and Washington.
New Mexico does not have any confirmed infant botulism cases tied to this outbreak.
What is botulism and what are the symptoms?
Botulism is a rare disease that can cause trouble breathing, muscle paralysis and death.
“Once symptoms start, botulism can quickly become a medical emergency,” said Dr. Chad Smelser, NMDOH deputy state epidemiologist.
“Any infant a parent thinks might have botulism from using this recalled product should be evaluated by a medical professional immediately,” said Smelser.
Health officials said signs in infants can take a couple of weeks to appear. They include constipation, trouble swallowing or weak sucking, drooping eyelids, eyes that may look misaligned, a weak or altered cry, lethargy, loss of head control that leads to a floppy baby appearance and trouble breathing.
What NMDOH is asking parents to do
The department told parents with opened cans to take a picture and record the lot number and use-by date.
Officials said parents should label the formula “DO NOT USE” and store it in a safe place away from other baby feeding items for at least a month. If an infant shows signs of botulism, NMDOH may want to test the formula. If no symptoms appear after a month, parents should throw it away.
The department also told parents to wash any surfaces or items used to prepare formula, including feeding bottles and mixing containers, with hot soapy water or in a dishwasher.
Parents with non-urgent questions can call the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE, or 1-833-796-8773, or text questions to 66364.
