Target is recalling certain baby wipes sold in stores and online across the U.S. due to potential microbial contamination, as reported by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The affected wipes include the Up & Up Fragrance Free and Up & Up Fresh Cucumber scented varieties. This recall follows customer complaints about discoloration and subsequent FDA tests, which found the presence of Burkholderia cepacia complex and Burkholderia gladiolus in the products.
The FDA has warned that using items contaminated with these bacteria can lead to severe infections. Since these wipes are often used on newborns and young children—who have underdeveloped immune systems—they are particularly at risk for opportunistic infections.
For healthier individuals, applying these products on skin that has slight wounds may possibly lead to a localized infection. However, for vulnerable groups like infants and immunocompromised individuals, the risks are elevated, including the potential for serious conditions such as sepsis and pneumonia.
In light of these findings, the FDA mentioned that Target is recalling the following items “out of an abundance of caution.”
Up & Up Unscented Baby Wipes
- 20 counts: UPC 085239265956
- 72 counts: UPC 085239265949
- 216 counts: UPC 085239265963
- 800 counts: UPC 085239266137
- 1200 counts: UPC 085239266090
Up & Up Fresh Cucumber Scented Baby Wipes
- 72 counts: UPC 085239265970
- 216 counts: UPC 085239265994
- 800 counts: UPC 085239265987
The FDA detailed that the manufacturing date codes for the recalled unscented wipes range from November 7, 2025 (071125X/XX) to May 5, 2026 (050526X/XXX), with expiration dates from May 10, 2028 (100528) to November 5, 2028 (051128). For the fresh cucumber variety, the manufacturing dates are from December 29, 2025 (291225X/XX) to December 30, 2025 (301225X/XX), with expiration dates between June 29, 2028 (290628) and June 30, 2028 (300628).
Moreover, the FDA mentioned that Target and the wipes’ manufacturer have received multiple consumer complaints regarding issues such as discoloration, skin irritation, eye irritation, and potential infection symptoms linked to these wipes.
The situation is under investigation, and Target is reportedly cooperating with the manufacturer to explore possible contamination sources.
Consumers are urged to stop using the recalled baby wipes immediately and return them to the stores for a refund. For further assistance, individuals can reach out to Target Guest Relations at 1-800-440-0680, available daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
