Target recalls baby wipes over fears of life-threatening bacteria and complaints of skin and eye irritation

Target Corporation announced a voluntary recall on June 4, 2024, for multiple varieties of its Up & Up brand baby wipes, both scented and fragrance-free, due to concerns of microbial contamination. The recall was prompted by consumer complaints detailing product discoloration and adverse event reports, including skin and eye irritation and infections. Further testing by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identified the presence of Burkholderia cepacia complex and Burkholderia gladioli in product samples, bacteria that can cause serious and potentially life-threatening infections, particularly in vulnerable populations like newborns, infants, and young children with immature immune systems. The FDA published a recall notice on June 5, emphasizing that in immunocompromised individuals or very young children, these infections could spread to the bloodstream, leading to sepsis or pneumonia. The recalled wipes were distributed nationwide through Target stores and online at Target.com. Target is urging consumers to immediately stop using the affected products and return them to any Target store for a full refund. The manufacturer of the recalled wipes is Sapro Temizlik Urunleri. The investigation into the adverse event reports is ongoing.