Family Sues Nara Organics and Target Over Infant Botulism Case

A family from Lacey, Washington, has filed a product liability lawsuit against Nara Organics, Inc. and Target Corporation, alleging their infant son contracted botulism from Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of Clostridium botulinum in an opened can of the formula fed to the child.

The infant, born in March 2026, began showing symptoms including lethargy and poor head control around May 24, 2026. After initial visits to healthcare providers, he was admitted to Mary Bridge Children's Hospital on June 5 and diagnosed with infant botulism. He received treatment and was hospitalized until June 16, but still requires a feeding tube and is recovering.

This case is part of a larger outbreak linked to Nara formula, involving four infants across three states, which is being investigated by the FDA and CDC. Nara Organics recalled its product on June 13, 2026. The FDA had previously warned about the risks associated with whole milk powder potentially harboring botulism.

The lawsuit also names Target as a seller, alleging the retailer knew or should have known about the risks of whole milk powder, citing the FDA's prior warnings and the widely reported ByHeart outbreak which used the same suppliers. The family purchased some of the formula directly from Nara Organics' website and some from a Target store.