U.S. health authorities have recalled Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula after cases of infant botulism were reported in three babies.

The product was sold nationwide at Target stores and online through Nara.com.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said the cases occurred in California, Pennsylvania, and Washington between April and May. The infants are between 2 and 5 months old.

All three were hospitalized and received specialized treatment.

Authorities are investigating a possible link between the formula and the illness. As a precaution, consumers have been urged to stop using the product immediately.

What is infant botulism?

Infant botulism is a rare but serious illness that affects babies under one year of age.

It can cause symptoms such as:

• constipation
• weakness
• difficulty feeding
• trouble breathing or swallowing
• drooping eyelids

If any of these symptoms appear, immediate medical attention is required.

The only approved treatment is BabyBIG, an intravenous medication made from human plasma antibodies against botulism.

What parents should do?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advised families who have the product at home to:

• Stop using it immediately
• Take a photo of the container
• Record the lot number and expiration date
• Label it “DO NOT USE”
• Keep it away from other baby food items
• Discard it after one month if no symptoms appear

No shortage expected:

Authorities said the recalled formula represents less than 1% of the U.S. infant formula market, so no shortage is expected.

The product is manufactured in Europe but sold only in the United States.

Investigations are ongoing to determine the source of contamination.