Target is recalling certain Up & Up baby wipes nationwide after FDA testing found bacteria that can cause serious and potentially life-threatening infections. The company said it is pulling select lots of Up & Up Fragrance Free Baby Wipes and Up & Up Fresh Cucumber Scented Baby Wipes sold in stores and on Target.com.
The recall covers Fragrance Free packs in 20-count, 72-count, 216-count, 800-count and 1,200-count sizes, along with Fresh Cucumber Scented packs in 72-count, 216-count and 800-count sizes. Consumers are being told to stop using the wipes and return them to any Target store for a full refund.
The FDA said testing found Burkholderia cepacia complex and Burkholderia gladioli in samples of the affected wipes. Those bacteria are especially concerning because the products are mainly used on newborns, infants and young children, and health officials warned that contaminated wipes can pose a greater risk to people with weakened immune systems.
Target and the manufacturer have also received consumer complaints and adverse event reports tied to the wipes, including discoloration, skin irritation, eye irritation and infections. A Target spokesperson said the company recalled the products out of an abundance of caution and said it cares deeply about the safety of its guests and products.
The warning leaves open a more uncomfortable question than the recall notice itself: how many people may already have been exposed before the products were pulled. The wipes were made by supplier Sapro Temizlik Urunleri, and Target said customers seeking more information can call Guest Relations at 1-800-440-0680.
