Parents Sue Nara Organics and Target After Infant Botulism Case

Jin Nam and Jisun Lee began feeding their infant son, identified as I.N., Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula in May 2026. By May 24, the previously healthy child showed signs of lethargy and poor muscle tone. Following an initial misdiagnosis of reflux, the infant was admitted to Mary Bridge Children's Hospital in Tacoma on June 5, where doctors confirmed a diagnosis of botulism. Laboratory analysis of an opened formula container later identified the presence of Clostridium botulinum, the organism responsible for the child’s paralysis. The boy remained hospitalized until June 16 and continues to require a feeding tube.

Attorney Bill Marler of Marler Clark, representing the family, argues that the industry was well aware of the risks associated with whole milk powder. The lawsuit highlights that the formula utilized ingredients from Organic West Milk and Dairy Farmers of America, suppliers previously implicated in a 2025 outbreak that sickened 48 infants. Furthermore, the complaint challenges Nara Organics' marketing, specifically claims that the product was "FDA-approved," a designation the agency does not grant to infant formula. The suit asserts that Target, acting as a national retailer, failed to heed explicit FDA warnings regarding the specific risks of whole milk powder contamination. I.N. is one of four infants across three states identified by health officials as part of this ongoing outbreak.