Target issues nationwide recall of Up & Up baby wipes after FDA finds Burkholderia bacteria
Target has issued a nationwide voluntary recall of Up & Up Fragrance Free and Fresh Cucumber baby wipes after FDA testing confirmed Burkholderia cepacia complex and Burkholderia gladioli contamination; consumers should stop use and return affected products for a refund.
Key takeaways
- Recall: Target voluntarily recalled specific lots of Up & Up Fragrance Free and Fresh Cucumber baby wipes after customer complaints and FDA testing. See the FDA recall notice and the Target recall page.
- Health risk: Testing identified Burkholderia cepacia complex and Burkholderia gladioli, which can cause serious infections in newborns, infants, young children and immunocompromised people (see FDA recall notice).
- What to do: Stop using the affected wipes immediately and return them to any Target store for a full refund; contact Target Guest Relations for assistance. More at the Target recall page.
Details
What happened
Minneapolis, Minnesota (Times Media Service) — Target began investigating after customers reported discoloration in some Up & Up baby-wipe packages. Company and FDA testing confirmed contamination in samples; Target initiated a voluntary nationwide recall of affected lots out of “abundance of caution.” See the Target recall page and the FDA recall notice.
What products are being recalled?
The recall covers two Up & Up baby-wipe lines across multiple package sizes:
- Up & Up Fragrance Free Baby Wipes: 20-count, 72-count, 216-count, 800-count and 1,200-count packages.
- Up & Up Fresh Cucumber Scented Baby Wipes: 72-count, 216-count and 800-count packages.
Products were sold nationwide at Target stores and online at Target.com. The contract manufacturer named in the FDA notice is Sapro Temizlik Urunleri. For UPCs and lot numbers, consult the FDA recall notice.
Why the recall was issued
Target’s investigation followed consumer reports of packaging discoloration. Subsequent testing by Target and the FDA detected Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) and Burkholderia gladioli in wipe samples. Because these organisms can cause severe infections in vulnerable groups, Target removed the affected lots voluntarily while the investigation continues (see Target recall page).
Health risks and who is most at risk
Burkholderia species are environmental bacteria that can sometimes cause disease. The FDA warns:
- Healthy people may develop localized skin infections if contaminated wipes are used on skin with small cuts or abrasions.
- Newborns, infants, young children and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk; infections can spread to the bloodstream (sepsis) or cause pneumonia.
Authorities note that reports of illness are under investigation and not every reported case has been confirmed as caused by the wipes. See the FDA recall notice for updates.
Reported complaints and adverse events
Target and the manufacturer have received consumer complaints and adverse event reports, including product discoloration and symptoms such as skin irritation, eye irritation and possible infections that may be linked to the wipes. The FDA is reviewing these reports; no total count or confirmed causal link has been provided publicly yet (see FDA recall notice).
Manufacturing and expiration dates to check
The FDA lists affected manufacturing and expiration windows:
- Fragrance Free: Manufactured Nov. 7, 2025 – May 5, 2026; expiration dates May 10, 2028 – Nov. 5, 2028.
- Fresh Cucumber Scented: Manufactured Dec. 29–30, 2025; expiration dates June 29–30, 2028.
Consumers should check UPCs and lot numbers against the full list in the FDA recall notice before using or returning products.
Official guidance for consumers
Authorities and Target advise:
- Stop using the recalled wipes immediately. Do not use them on newborns, infants, young children, immunocompromised persons, or broken skin.
- Return affected wipes to any Target store for a full refund, with or without a receipt. See the Target recall page for details.
- If you used the wipes and notice redness, rash, eye irritation, fever, lethargy, trouble breathing or other signs of infection in an infant or immunocompromised person, seek medical care and tell the provider about possible exposure to Burkholderia.
- Contact Target Guest Relations for in-store purchases at 1-800-440-0680 (7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT daily) or for Target.com purchases at 1-800-591-3869. See the Target recall page for assistance.
What Target and regulators are doing
Target notified the FDA and is working with the contract manufacturer, Sapro Temizlik Urunleri, to investigate the root cause. The recall is voluntary and conducted with FDA knowledge; both Target and the manufacturer are reviewing adverse events and testing to determine what happened and how to prevent recurrence (see the Target recall page and the FDA recall notice).
Practical steps for families and caregivers
Actionable steps:
- Check your home for Up & Up Fragrance Free or Fresh Cucumber wipes and match UPCs and lot codes to the FDA list.
- If you have affected wipes, stop using them and return to Target for a refund; keep them away from children while arranging the return.
- If anyone shows signs of infection after use, contact your pediatrician or urgent care and mention possible exposure to Burkholderia.
Implications for San Luis Obispo, California
Economic: Many San Luis Obispo families shop at local Target stores and online; stores could see increased returns and customer-service demand, and nearby retailers may face higher demand for alternative baby-care products.
Political & regulatory: Local health officials, including San Luis Obispo County Public Health, may issue guidance and the recall could prompt renewed attention on product safety oversight and retailer responsibilities.
Social & cultural: Parents may feel anxious; childcare centers and pediatric clinics could receive questions. Community groups serving vulnerable populations should be aware that immunocompromised infants are at higher risk and may need outreach.
Practical local advice: Residents should check products at home, seek refunds from Target, and contact San Luis Obispo County Public Health for local guidance. FDA and Target recall details are available online for UPCs and lot numbers.
Sources
Reporting: Times Media Service
