Contaminated infant formula not imported into Taiwan: TFDA

Taipei, June 15 (CNA) The Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) said Monday that an infant formula suspected of being linked to cases of infant botulism in the United States has not been imported into Taiwan for at least three years.

The product, Nara Organics Whole Milk Infant Formula, came under scrutiny after three cases of infant botulism were reported in the U.S. According to the company, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that all three affected infants had consumed the formula.

TFDA official Liao Tzu-ting (廖姿婷) said a review of the agency's border inspection database found no import records for the product over the past three years.

The formula is also not listed in Taiwan's registration records for infant and follow-up formulas, she added.

Nara Organics announced a voluntary recall of all its infant formula products after being informed of the three cases on June 12 and has provided refund information on its website.

As of Sunday, no samples of Nara infant formula had tested positive for Clostridium botulinum (C. botulinum), the company said.

The company also urged consumers to watch for symptoms of infant botulism, including constipation, poor feeding, drooping eyelids, sluggish pupils, low muscle tone, difficulty sucking or swallowing, a weak or altered cry, generalized weakness, breathing difficulties and, in severe cases, respiratory arrest.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the three illnesses began between April and May 2026. Testing of Nara infant formula and related investigations remain ongoing.

It warned that botulism can be fatal.

The TFDA advised members of the public not to purchase or consume the affected products while visiting the U.S., and noted that botulinum toxin can be destroyed by boiling food for at least 10 minutes.