Target recalls Up & Up baby wipes nationwide after FDA finds Burkholderia bacteria contamination
Target has voluntarily recalled Up & Up Fragrance Free and Fresh Cucumber Scented Baby Wipes nationwide after FDA testing found Burkholderia cepacia complex and Burkholderia gladioli contamination; consumers should stop use and return affected products for refunds.
- Products affected: Select Up & Up Fragrance Free and Up & Up Fresh Cucumber Scented Baby Wipes sold at Target stores and Target.com.
- Health risk: FDA identified Burkholderia cepacia complex and Burkholderia gladioli; high risk for newborns, infants and immunocompromised people.
- Consumer action: Stop using the wipes, compare UPC/lot codes to the FDA recall notice, and return affected items to Target for a full refund.
- More info: See Target’s guidance on the recall at the Target recall page.
What is being recalled
The voluntary, nationwide recall covers:
- Up & Up Fragrance Free Baby Wipes — package sizes: 20‑count, 72‑count, 216‑count, 800‑count and 1,200‑count.
- Up & Up Fresh Cucumber Scented Baby Wipes — package sizes: 72‑count, 216‑count and 800‑count.
- Products were sold nationwide at Target stores and online at Target.com. Consumers should compare their package UPC and lot/manufacturing codes to the table in the FDA recall notice.
Manufacturing and expiration dates
Fragrance Free wipes: manufactured between Nov. 7, 2025 and May 5, 2026; expiration dates range from May 10, 2028 through Nov. 5, 2028.
Fresh Cucumber wipes: manufactured Dec. 29–30, 2025; expiration dates range from June 29, 2028 through June 30, 2028.
Only specific lots are part of the recall; review the exact UPCs and lot codes in the FDA recall notice.
Why the recall was issued
The recall followed consumer reports of product discoloration. After complaints, the FDA tested samples and identified two Burkholderia species — B. cepacia complex and B. gladioli — in the wipes. Target voluntarily removed the affected lots and is coordinating with the manufacturer and the FDA.
Target: the company says the recall was initiated “out of an abundance of caution” while it investigates with the manufacturer and the FDA.
The bacteria and the health risks
- Opportunistic organisms: Burkholderia cepacia complex and Burkholderia gladioli are more likely to cause serious disease in people with weakened immune systems, including infants and the elderly.
- Healthy people: may develop localized skin infections if wipes contact cuts or abrasions.
- High‑risk individuals: infections can spread to the bloodstream (sepsis) or lungs (pneumonia); newborns, infants and immunocompromised patients face the highest risk of severe outcomes.
- FDA warning: use of products contaminated with these organisms “may result in serious and life‑threatening infections” in vulnerable groups.
Known complaints and reported symptoms
Target and manufacturer Sapro Temizlik Urunleri have received multiple consumer complaints and adverse event reports alleging product discoloration and symptoms including skin irritation, eye irritation and infections possibly linked to the wipes. The FDA is investigating these reports; a definitive causal link is still being evaluated.
If you developed symptoms after using an affected product, contact a healthcare provider and mention possible Burkholderia exposure.
Company statements and regulatory status
Target’s statement: the retailer said it “cares deeply about the safety of our guests and our products,” describing the recall as voluntary and done “out of an abundance of caution.”
FDA role: the recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which has posted an official recall notice listing affected UPCs, lot codes, manufacturing and expiration dates, health risks and consumer guidance (FDA recall notice).
What consumers should do now
- Stop using the recalled Up & Up Fragrance Free and Fresh Cucumber Scented Baby Wipes immediately.
- Check packaging: note count size, UPC and lot/manufacturing code and compare to the table in the FDA recall notice.
- Return: take affected wipes to any Target store for a full refund; a receipt is generally not required for safety recalls.
- Seek care: if symptoms such as skin or eye irritation, fever or breathing problems occur after use, contact your healthcare provider and mention possible Burkholderia exposure.
- Contact Target Guest Relations: in‑store purchases — 1‑800‑440‑0680 (7 a.m.–10 p.m. CT daily); Target.com purchases — 1‑800‑591‑3869.
Implications for Utah
Immediate family impact: Utah families with young children should check household supplies and stop use of any packages matching the recalled lots; returning affected packages to local Target stores secures refunds and reduces risk.
Health system preparedness: Utah pediatricians and urgent care centers should expect questions from parents and consider Burkholderia in patients with compatible symptoms and exposure histories.
Retail and daily life: Utah Targets will accept returns locally; families relying on bulk wipes should plan short‑term replacements such as other brands, cloth wipes with safe cleansers, or warm water and soft cloths.
For readers concerned with regulatory accountability: the recall highlights the need for transparency about manufacturing controls and how contamination occurred; some consumers and officials may seek further details as investigations continue.
Reporting problems and seeking more information
Consumers who experienced problems can report adverse events through the FDA’s MedWatch program and should contact their healthcare provider. For product questions or returns, contact Target Guest Relations at 1‑800‑440‑0680 (in‑store purchases) or Target.com Guest Services at 1‑800‑591‑3869.
For the full list of affected UPCs and lot codes, consult the FDA recall notice and Target’s recall page at the Target recall page.
