Key points
- CDC, FDA, the Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, and public health officials in several states are investigating a multistate outbreak of infant botulism linked to recalled powdered infant formula.
- Infant botulism is a rare but serious illness that can happen when a baby swallows spores of Clostridium botulinum bacteria.
- Infant botulism often starts with constipation but is usually first noticed as difficulty feeding (trouble sucking and swallowing), a weak or altered cry, and loss of muscle tone.
- Do not feed infants Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula, which is recalled.