The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has upgraded the recall of certain Target Up & Up brand baby wipes to its highest risk classification, citing a "reasonable probability" that the products could cause serious adverse health consequences or death.
The recall, initially initiated by Target for its Up & Up Fragrance Free Baby Wipes and Up & Up Fresh Cucumber Scented Baby Wipes, was elevated following FDA testing that detected the presence of Burkholderia cepacia complex and Burkholderia gladioli bacteria in product samples. These bacteria can lead to life-threatening infections.
The FDA's Class I recall designation means that the use of or exposure to the contaminated products presents a significant risk. The agency specifically noted the vulnerability of newborns, infants, and young children, whose immature immune systems make them susceptible to opportunistic infections.
The recalled products include approximately 6.4 million units of Up & Up Fragrance Free Baby Wipes and 440,600 units of Up & Up Fresh Cucumber Scented Baby Wipes. These were sold nationwide at Target stores and online at Target.com in various counts. Affected products have expiration dates ranging from May 2028 to November 2028.
Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) is a group of bacteria that can cause infections, including serious respiratory issues, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems. Many strains of Bcc are resistant to antibiotics, making them challenging to treat. Burkholderia gladioli, a related species, can cause similar infections.
While healthy individuals may experience only local skin infections from contact with contaminated products on minor skin abrasions, the FDA warned that in immunocompromised individuals, newborns, infants, and young children, the bacteria can spread into the bloodstream, potentially leading to sepsis or pneumonia. Symptoms can include fever and fatigue.
Target voluntarily initiated the recall after receiving customer complaints about product discoloration and reports of potential infections. The FDA notice stated that Target and the wipes' manufacturer, Sapro Temizlik Urunleri, have received a number of consumer complaints and adverse event reports alleging product discoloration, skin irritation, eye irritation, and infections potentially associated with the wipes. These reports are still under investigation.
The FDA advises consumers to immediately discontinue use of the affected wipes and return them to Target for a full refund. The agency has provided a list of specific UPCs in its original recall notice.