Target is pulling several varieties of its Up and Up brand baby wipes from shelves after some product samples tested positive for bacteria that can cause serious illness in infants and immunocompromised individuals.
The recall covers Up and Up Fragrance Free Baby Wipes in 20-count, 72-count, 216-count, 800-count, and 1,200-count packages, as well as Up and Up Fresh Cucumber Scented Baby Wipes in 72-count, 216-count, and 800-count packages. The products were sold both in Target stores across the United States and on Target's website, according to an announcement shared by the Food and Drug Administration on Friday.
The issue came to light after Target received complaints about the wipes becoming discolored. FDA testing then found that some samples contained Burkholderia cepacia complex and Burkholderia gladioli bacteria. Both are naturally occurring bacteria that can cause illness in humans and pose a higher risk to children.
"The products are predominantly used on newborns, infants, and young children, who are particularly vulnerable to opportunistic infection due to their immature immune systems," Target said in its announcement. "In healthy individuals, use of the product on skin with minor lesions will more likely result in local infections, whereas in immunocompromised individuals, newborns, infants and young children, the infection is more likely to spread into the bloodstream, potentially leading to life-threatening sepsis or pneumonia."
Beyond discoloration, both Target and the wipes manufacturer, Sapro Temizlik Urunleri, have received consumer complaints and adverse event reports describing skin irritation, eye irritation, and infections potentially linked to the products. ABC News reported that it reached out to the manufacturer for comment.
In a statement to ABC News, a Target spokesperson said, "We care deeply about the safety of our guests and our products. Out of an abundance of caution, Target has voluntarily recalled Up&Up Fragrance Free Baby Wipes and Up&Up Fresh Cucumber Baby Wipes. For additional information, including refunds and impacted product information, please view the release."
Anyone who has the recalled wipes is advised to stop using them immediately. Customers can return the products to any Target store for a full refund. Target Guest Relations can be reached at 1-800-440-0680 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT daily. A complete list of affected products, including item numbers, UPC codes, manufacturing codes, and expiration dates, is available in the FDA announcement.
