Target recalls Up & Up baby wipes nationwide after FDA finds dangerous bacteria; parents urged to stop use and return products
Target has announced a nationwide voluntary recall of certain Up & Up Fragrance Free and Fresh Cucumber baby wipes after FDA tests found Burkholderia cepacia complex and Burkholderia gladioli. Parents should stop use and return products for a refund.
Key takeaways
- Stop using recalled wipes immediately and return them to any Target for a full refund.
- FDA testing found contamination with Burkholderia cepacia complex and Burkholderia gladioli; infants and immunocompromised people are at highest risk.
- Check UPCs, lot/manufacturing codes and dates against the FDA recall notice for affected products.
- Questions or returns: call Target Guest Relations at 1-800-440-0680 (7 a.m.–10 p.m. CT daily).
What is being recalled
The recall covers specific UPCs, lot/manufacturing codes and package sizes of two Up & Up wipes lines sold at Target stores and online. A full list of affected UPCs, codes and sizes is posted in the FDA recall notice.
Affected package sizes
- Up & Up Fragrance Free Baby Wipes: 20‑count, 72‑count, 216‑count, 800‑count, 1,200‑count.
- Up & Up Fresh Cucumber Scented Baby Wipes: 72‑count, 216‑count, 800‑count.
Why the recall was issued
Target and the FDA initiated the recall after consumer reports of discoloration, chemical odors and rashes. Subsequent testing by the FDA found Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) and Burkholderia gladioli in samples. The recall was made voluntarily by Target in coordination with the manufacturer and with FDA oversight. See Target’s return guidance on the Target recall page.
Health risks and who is most vulnerable
The FDA warns these bacteria can cause serious and potentially life‑threatening infections. Healthy adults face lower risk, but anyone with broken skin could get localized infections. Newborns, infants, young children and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk of bloodstream infections, sepsis, pneumonia or other severe outcomes.
“Reported adverse events include discoloration, skin irritation, eye irritation and infections; investigations are ongoing.”
Manufacturer and regulatory oversight
The wipes were manufactured for Target by Sapro Temizlik Urunleri. Target says the recall is voluntary and is being conducted with the knowledge of the FDA. Consumers should consult the FDA recall notice for the complete list of lot codes and UPCs.
Manufacturing and expiration dates to check
FDA-listed windows to identify recalled products:
- Fragrance Free: manufactured Nov. 7, 2025 — May 5, 2026; expiration May 10, 2028 — Nov. 5, 2028.
- Fresh Cucumber: manufactured Dec. 29–30, 2025; expiration June 29, 2028 — June 30, 2028.
How to check your product and get a refund
Steps to confirm and return recalled wipes:
- Locate the UPC and lot or manufacturing code on the package (usually on the bottom or back) and compare with the FDA recall notice.
- If your wipes match a recalled lot or show browning, an unusual odor or other spoilage, stop using them immediately.
- Return recalled wipes to any Target store for a full refund; no proof of purchase is typically required for national safety recalls, though store procedures may vary. See the Target product recall help.
- For assistance call Target Guest Relations at 1-800-440-0680 (7 a.m.–10 p.m. CT daily).
If you or your child used the wipes
Contact your health care provider if a recalled wipe was used and you or your child develop symptoms such as fever, lethargy, poor feeding in infants, worsening rash, eye redness or discharge, cough or breathing difficulty. Health care providers and consumers may report problems to the FDA’s MedWatch program.
Context and prior complaints
Before the FDA confirmation, consumers reported discoloration, odd odors and rashes linked to Up & Up Fragrance Free wipes; public incident reports helped prompt further testing. See related consumer incident reporting at incident reporting.
Burkholderia Cepacia Wipes Risk — what families should know
Burkholderia cepacia complex and B. gladioli are environmental bacteria capable of surviving in wet products. While not common household germs, their presence in baby wipes can pose a real danger to infants and people with weakened immune systems. Parents should treat this recall with urgency and follow FDA and Target guidance.
Implications for Huntington Beach, California
Local guidance:
- Parents and day‑care providers should check Up & Up wipe packages now and return recalled items to local Target stores.
- Pediatric clinics and urgent care centers may see reports of rashes, eye irritation or infections and should review FDA materials to advise concerned families.
- Huntington Beach Targets will accept returns for a full refund; call Target Guest Relations at 1-800-440-0680 for assistance.
For more information and to view affected UPCs and lot codes
- FDA recall notice (full list of codes and details)
- Target recall information and return instructions
- Target product recall help
- Consumer incident reporting and prior complaints: incident reporting
If you have specific lot codes or UPCs and want help: provide the code and package size and this report can help interpret whether the product is included in the recall and what steps to take.
