Target recalls Up & Up baby wipes nationwide after FDA finds bacteria that can cause serious infections
Target has voluntarily recalled Up & Up Fragrance Free and Fresh Cucumber baby wipes nationwide after FDA testing found Burkholderia cepacia complex and Burkholderia gladioli. Consumers should stop use immediately and return affected products for a full refund.
Key takeaways
- What: Voluntary recall of Up & Up Fragrance Free and Up & Up Fresh Cucumber baby wipes after FDA recall notice detected Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) and Burkholderia gladioli.
- Where: Nationwide — sold at Target stores and on Target’s website (see Target product recall help).
- Action: Stop use immediately; return affected packages to Target for a full refund or call Target Guest Relations at 1‑800‑440‑0680 (7 a.m.–10 p.m. CT).
Main content
What is being recalled?
Target is voluntarily recalling specific lots and package sizes of Up & Up Fragrance Free Baby Wipes and Up & Up Fresh Cucumber Scented Baby Wipes after customer complaints about discoloration prompted FDA testing. Affected package sizes include:
- Up & Up Fragrance Free: 20‑count, 72‑count, 216‑count, 800‑count and 1,200‑count.
- Up & Up Fresh Cucumber Scented: 72‑count, 216‑count and 800‑count.
A full list of affected UPCs, lot/manufacturing codes and package sizes is available in the FDA recall notice.
Why the recall happened
Target received customer complaints describing discoloration of the wipes. FDA laboratory testing of samples from the affected lots detected Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) and Burkholderia gladioli, opportunistic pathogens that prompted the voluntary recall conducted with FDA knowledge. Investigations are ongoing.
What health risks do these bacteria pose?
The FDA warns these bacteria can cause serious infections, especially for vulnerable groups. Key points:
- Contaminated wipes used on intact skin are less likely to harm most healthy people.
- People with cuts or abrasions may develop localized infections.
- Newborns, infants, young children and immunocompromised people face higher risk; infections can spread to the bloodstream and cause sepsis, pneumonia or other life‑threatening conditions.
Reported symptoms and adverse events
Target and the manufacturer have received reports and adverse event claims including:
- Product discoloration
- Skin irritation and rashes
- Eye irritation
- Possible infections linked to wipe use
Note: Reports remain under investigation; investigators are evaluating whether the products caused the reported illnesses.
Time frame and production details
According to the FDA:
- Fragrance Free wipes: Manufactured Nov. 7, 2025–May 5, 2026; expiration dates May 10–Nov. 5, 2028.
- Fresh Cucumber wipes: Manufactured Dec. 29–30, 2025; expiration dates June 29–30, 2028.
Consumers should check product UPC, lot/manufacturing codes and expiration dates against the FDA list before discarding or returning items.
Scope of the recall and regulatory status
The recall is voluntary and conducted with FDA knowledge. Target reports it is cooperating with the manufacturer (Sapro Temizlik Urunleri) and continuing its investigation. Target’s recall page lists the event under current product recalls dated June 4, 2026 (Target product recall help).
What Target and the FDA are advising consumers to do
- Stop using the recalled wipes immediately.
- Do not use them on newborns, infants, children or anyone who is immunocompromised or has open skin lesions.
- Return affected products to any Target store for a full refund or consult Target Guest Relations at 1‑800‑440‑0680 (7 a.m.–10 p.m. CT).
- If you or your child develop symptoms — new or worsening rash, redness, swelling, oozing, eye pain or discharge, fever, breathing problems — contact a healthcare provider promptly.
Examples of reported issues and investigation status
Customer complaints about discoloration triggered FDA testing that found Bcc and B. gladioli in samples. Independent consumer reports documented wipes turning brown, an unusual chemical smell, and at least one rash prior to recall. Investigators are determining how contamination occurred and whether it was limited to specific lots or supply‑chain points (see Nonwovens Industry coverage and Independent incident/legal analysis).
Implications for Los Angeles, California
Economic: Local Target stores may see increased refund traffic; daycares and large households that used bulk packages may need replacements.
Political & social: Local public health agencies and officials could receive inquiries; community parenting groups and social channels in L.A. may amplify concerns, prompting increased caution in daycares and clinics.
Practical steps for caregivers, clinics and daycares
- Check any Up & Up Fragrance Free or Fresh Cucumber wipes in stock and compare UPCs, lot codes and expiration dates with the FDA recall notice.
- Do not use any product that looks discolored, smells odd, or previously caused irritation.
- Segregate suspected products, label them clearly and return them to Target for a refund.
- If exposure may have caused symptoms in a child, seek medical advice and consider notifying local public health authorities if multiple children show symptoms.
Reporting and next steps
Local health providers and caregivers who see possible infections tied to these wipes should document cases, notify the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health as appropriate, and follow routine clinical reporting. Target and regulators continue to investigate; consumers should check the FDA recall notice and Target product recall help for updates.
Sources and links for verification
- FDA recall notice
- Target product recall help
- Nonwovens Industry coverage
- Independent incident/legal analysis
Quick reminder: If you have affected wipes, stop use now and return them to Target for a full refund or call Target Guest Relations at 1‑800‑440‑0680 (7 a.m.–10 p.m. CT).
