Federal health officials are urging parents to immediately stop using a popular organic infant formula after three babies were hospitalized with botulism in a multistate outbreak linked to the product.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said all three infants consumed Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula before becoming ill.
The babies, who ranged in age from 2 to 5 months, were hospitalized and treated with BabyBIG, the FDA-approved treatment for infant botulism.
The cases were reported in California, Pennsylvania and Washington, according to the CDC.
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Nara Organics on Friday recalled all lots and can sizes of its Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula, and federal health officials are investigating whether the product was the source of the outbreak.
Testing of opened and unopened formula samples is underway, with results expected in the coming weeks.
Nara Organics confirmed the recall in a statement posted on its website.
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“Stop using all Nara Organics infant formula immediately,” the company wrote. “We are heartbroken for the concern and stress this may cause your family.”
The formula is sold nationwide through Target stores, Target.com and Nara.com.
The CDC advised parents and caregivers to throw away or return any unopened cans of the recalled formula.
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Officials said opened cans may be retained and stored separately if an infant develops symptoms, as state health departments may request samples for testing.
According to the CDC, infant botulism occurs when spores from Clostridium botulinum bacteria enter a baby’s digestive tract and produce a dangerous toxin.
Early symptoms can include constipation, difficulty feeding, a weak or altered cry and loss of head control.
Parents should seek immediate medical attention if an infant who consumed the recalled formula develops symptoms including poor feeding, difficulty swallowing, decreased facial expression or loss of head control, health officials said.
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