Recalled Infant Formula Sold at Eureka Target Raises Local Health Alerts

The Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services notified residents that a Target store in Eureka sold at least four cans of ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula in early November that are included in a recall that went into effect on November 8. County officials said no other Humboldt County stores received shipments of the recalled lots, and local emergency departments have been notified.

The recall followed investigations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the California Department of Public Health into an outbreak of infant botulism linked to the product. Thirteen infant botulism illnesses have been reported across 10 states, including two cases in California. ByHeart later extended a voluntary recall to all batches of the formula, according to the county notice.

Parents are urged to check lot numbers found on the bottom of formula cans. The specific lots identified in the county advisory are 206VABP/251261P2 with a use by date of 01 Dec 2026, and 206VABP/251131P2 with a use by date of 01 Dec 2026. Parents or caregivers with these matching lot numbers should contact their medical provider, Public Health at 707 268 2182, or the Humboldt County Sheriff s Office after hours at 707 445 7251.

Infant botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin that affects the nervous system. Symptoms can include constipation, poor feeding, loss of head control, and difficulty swallowing, and the illness can progress to breathing problems. Early medical evaluation is important for infants who show any concerning signs and who may have been exposed to the recalled product.

The local presence of recalled product at a single retail outlet highlights how product safety issues can quickly become community problems, especially for families who rely on formula. Access to safe infant nutrition is a basic public health need, and recalls can disproportionately affect households with limited means, families enrolled in nutrition assistance programs, and those in remote areas where shopping options are limited.

County health officials said they are coordinating with hospitals and state and federal agencies to track the situation and support affected families. The notice aims to reach parents quickly so infants who may have been exposed receive prompt medical attention. Humboldt County residents seeking guidance should use the contact numbers provided by Public Health or the Sheriff s Office for urgent concerns.

As the investigation continues, the recall and the outbreak underline the importance of timely product surveillance, clear communication from manufacturers and regulators, and community resources to ensure that families can secure safe alternatives when commercial infant nutrition is removed from the market.