US Recalls Suspected Botulism-Contaminated Infant Formula; Taiwan FDA Confirms No Imports to Taiwan

(Taipei, May 15, CNA reporter Chen Chieh-ling) Nara Organics powdered infant formula, manufactured in Europe and sold in the United States, is suspected of being contaminated with botulism-causing bacteria, potentially leading to infant poisoning. Authorities have issued an urgent recall. Taiwan's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated today that the product has no record of applying for food import inspection into Taiwan.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a recall on May 8, 2026, urging the withdrawal of Nara Organics Whole Milk Powdered Infant Formula due to possible contamination with Clostridium botulinum.

According to the U.S. FDA, in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other agencies, three confirmed or suspected cases of infant botulism have been identified. All cases involved infection with type A botulinum toxin, and all affected infants had consumed powdered infant formula from the Nara Organics brand. Onset of illness occurred between April and May 2026.

Liao Tzu-ting, Senior Technical Specialist of the Food Division at Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare's Food and Drug Administration, explained to the media today that a search of the FDA's Automated Import Inspection Management Information System (IFI) using the keyword 'Nara'—covering product names in Chinese and English, trademarks, and manufacturers—revealed no import inspection records for the product in the past three years.

Additionally, Liao noted that a review of inspection and registration records for infant and follow-on formula products confirmed that Nara Organics Whole Milk Infant Formula has no registration in Taiwan. The case has been assessed as low risk (green light status).

The FDA warns the public that travelers to the U.S. should avoid purchasing or consuming the affected product. Botulinum toxin primarily affects the peripheral nervous system, causing symptoms such as blurred or double vision, drooping eyelids, dilated pupils, lack of pupillary light reflex, facial nerve paralysis, impaired salivation, dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, and difficulty speaking.

Progressive muscle weakness may spread from the upper to the lower body, accompanied by neurogenic bowel obstruction, respiratory difficulty, loss of head control, hypotonia, and generalized weakness. The FDA notes that patients typically remain conscious, but severe cases can lead to respiratory failure and death, with a mortality rate as high as 30% to 60%.

The FDA states that the toxin can be destroyed by boiling for at least 10 minutes, provided the food is stirred thoroughly. Alternatively, maintaining a pH below 4.5 (acidic environment) prevents Clostridium botulinum from surviving. The toxin is heat-labile and loses its toxicity when boiled. Consumers are advised to ensure food is 'thoroughly heated' before consumption. (Edited by Kuan Chung-wei) 1150615