Target recalls Up & Up baby wipes nationwide after FDA finds Burkholderia contamination
Target has issued a nationwide recall of specific lots of Up & Up Fragrance Free and Fresh Cucumber baby wipes after FDA testing detected Burkholderia cepacia complex and Burkholderia gladioli, bacteria that can cause serious infections in vulnerable individuals.
- Recalled items: Multiple sizes of Up & Up Fragrance Free and Up & Up Fresh Cucumber baby wipes sold at Target nationwide.
- Why: FDA testing found Burkholderia cepacia complex and Burkholderia gladioli after customer complaints of discoloration; recall is voluntary. See the FDA recall notice.
- What to do: Stop using affected wipes and return them to Target for a full refund; questions: Target Guest Relations, 1‑800‑440‑0680. See Target recall and refund information.
Details of the recall
What’s recalled
Target’s voluntary recall covers multiple package sizes of Up & Up baby wipes sold at Target stores and online nationwide. Affected sizes for Up & Up Fragrance Free Baby Wipes include 20-count, 72-count, 216-count, 800-count and 1,200-count packages. Affected Up & Up Fresh Cucumber Scented Baby Wipes include 72-count, 216-count and 800-count packages.
Consumers should compare UPCs and manufacturing codes on their packages to the full list in the FDA recall notice.
Manufacturing and expiration dates
Fragrance Free wipes: manufacturing dates range from Nov. 7, 2025 to May 5, 2026, with expiration dates from May 10, 2028 through Nov. 5, 2028. Fresh Cucumber wipes: manufactured Dec. 29–30, 2025, with expiration dates June 29–30, 2028. The complete list of affected UPCs and lot codes is provided in the FDA recall notice and on Target’s recall page.
Why the recall happened
Target began investigating after customers reported packs that had turned brown or developed a strange smell. FDA testing of product samples subsequently identified Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) and Burkholderia gladioli. Target described the recall as voluntary and taken “out of an abundance of caution” while it and the manufacturer continue to investigate.
About the bacteria found
Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) is a group of related bacteria that can cause respiratory and bloodstream infections in people with weakened defenses, notably those with cystic fibrosis or chronic lung disease. Burkholderia gladioli is a related organism capable of causing serious infections in vulnerable populations. Both organisms have been linked in past outbreaks to contaminated wet or aqueous products (for example, mouthwashes and moist wipes).
Because baby wipes are used on skin near the face, nose and mouth and on newborn skin, the FDA describes the risk as “serious and potentially life‑threatening” for some users. See the full FDA recall notice for more details.
Health risks and reported symptoms
Health outcomes depend on the user’s overall health. For otherwise healthy people, using contaminated wipes on skin with small cuts or abrasions could cause localized skin infections. For newborns, infants and immunocompromised people, infections could spread to the bloodstream and cause sepsis or pneumonia.
Target and the manufacturer have received consumer complaints and adverse event reports alleging discoloration, skin irritation, eye irritation and infections possibly linked to the wipes; those reports remain under investigation.
Watch for warning signs after exposure: skin rash or redness, increased warmth or swelling, pus or drainage, eye redness or discharge, fever, unusual sleepiness, or breathing problems. Parents and caregivers with concerns should contact a pediatrician and mention possible exposure to Burkholderia. In emergencies (trouble breathing, high fever, severe lethargy), seek emergency care immediately.
What consumers should do now
- Stop using the recalled Up & Up Fragrance Free and Fresh Cucumber wipes immediately. Do not use them on newborns, infants or anyone with a weakened immune system.
- Check package labels for brand, scent, package size, UPC, manufacturing codes and expiration dates. Match your pack to the FDA list in the FDA recall notice if uncertain.
- Return recalled wipes to any Target store for a full refund; a receipt is not required. For questions, call Target Guest Relations at 1‑800‑440‑0680 or see Target recall and refund information.
- Report health problems to the FDA’s MedWatch adverse event program (see FDA MedWatch information) and consider reporting to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission if relevant.
If you notice browning, an unusual chemical smell, or any visible change in a package, treat the product as potentially contaminated and stop use. Previous consumer incident reports described packs turning brown, a “weird chemical” smell and rashes on infants before the recall; see the consumer incident summary and reports.
Manufacturer and oversight
The wipes were manufactured for Target by Sapro Temizlik Urunleri, as identified in the FDA recall notice. The recall is being conducted with the oversight of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration while Target and the manufacturer investigate the source of contamination.
Implications for San Diego, California
San Diego parents, daycare providers and pediatric clinics should check supplies immediately. Many local families use Target’s Up & Up brand because of its low cost and wide availability. Daycares and preschools should remove any suspected packs from changing stations, restock with unaffected wipes or single-use alternatives, and notify parents if exposed wipes were used on children in care.
Local pediatricians and urgent-care centers should be aware of potential presentations tied to the wipes (skin irritation, eye problems, signs of infection). Clinicians may consider culture testing and appropriate therapy if Burkholderia infection is suspected, since these organisms can be resistant to some antibiotics. Hospitals caring for newborns and immunocompromised patients should reinforce supply checks in nurseries and neonatal units.
For San Diego’s military and veteran communities, providers at VA and military clinics should alert staff and patients and advise caution. Local public health agencies can post the FDA recall notice and Target return instructions on their websites and social channels to reach parents quickly.
Parents in San Diego who used the affected wipes should watch children for symptoms (rashes, eye irritation, fever, breathing problems) and contact a pediatrician if concerned. Returning recalled packs to Target provides a full refund and helps remove potentially contaminated products from circulation.
How to get more information or report problems
- FDA recall notice
- Target recall and refund information and Target recall page (help.target.com)
- Consumer incident summary and reports
- To report adverse events: see FDA MedWatch information linked on the FDA recall page.
Contact reminder: Target Guest Relations: 1‑800‑440‑0680.
