Target recalls Up & Up baby wipes nationwide after FDA finds bacteria linked to serious infections
Target has issued a nationwide voluntary recall of Up & Up Fragrance Free and Fresh Cucumber baby wipes after FDA testing identified Burkholderia cepacia complex and Burkholderia gladioli contamination, organisms that can cause serious infections in infants and immunocompromised people.
- Immediate action: Stop using affected wipes and return them to any Target store for a full refund.
- Contaminants identified: Burkholderia cepacia complex and Burkholderia gladioli were detected in FDA testing.
- Affected products: Up & Up Fragrance Free (20-, 72-, 216-, 800-, 1,200-count) and Fresh Cucumber (72-, 216-, 800-count); see codes and UPCs in the FDA recall notice.
- More info & refunds: See Target’s notice at the Target recall page or contact Target Guest Relations.
What is being recalled
The recall covers specific lots of two Up & Up baby wipe lines sold nationwide in Target stores and online. The FDA recall notice lists affected UPCs, manufacturing codes and package sizes; consumers should compare their packaging to that list to confirm whether a pack is included.
Action is voluntary and conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Why the wipes were pulled from shelves
Consumer complaints of product discoloration prompted testing. FDA laboratory analysis found Burkholderia cepacia complex and Burkholderia gladioli in samples. These environmental organisms can cause opportunistic infections; Target says it is acting “out of an abundance of caution” while coordinating with the manufacturer and FDA.
About the bacteria and health risks
Burkholderia cepacia complex is a group of related bacteria found in soil and water and has been linked to outbreaks when medical products are contaminated. Burkholderia gladioli is a related environmental organism. In healthy people, contaminated wipes may cause localized skin or soft tissue infections; in newborns, infants and immunocompromised individuals, infections can spread to the bloodstream (sepsis), cause pneumonia, or be otherwise life‑threatening.
Because baby wipes are used directly on vulnerable infants, public health officials treat this risk seriously.
Reported complaints and ongoing investigation
Target and the manufacturer, Sapro Temizlik Urunleri, have received consumer complaints and adverse event reports describing product discoloration and symptoms including skin irritation, eye irritation and infections that may be linked to use. The FDA indicates these reports remain under investigation and that causality has not been fully established.
Which packages and dates are affected
Key date ranges and package sizes identified by the FDA:
- Fragrance Free: manufactured Nov. 7, 2025–May 5, 2026; expiration dates May 10, 2028–Nov. 5, 2028. Sizes: 20-, 72-, 216-, 800-, 1,200-count.
- Fresh Cucumber: manufactured Dec. 29–30, 2025; expiration dates June 29–30, 2028. Sizes: 72-, 216-, 800-count.
- Only products that match the UPCs, lot/manufacturing codes and dates listed in the FDA recall notice are included.
What parents and caregivers should do now
Public health guidance and Target’s recommendations include:
- Stop using the recalled Up & Up baby wipes immediately.
- Compare packaging UPCs, lot/manufacturing codes and expiration dates with the FDA recall notice to confirm inclusion.
- Return affected wipes to any Target store for a full refund (receipt generally not required). Contact Target Guest Relations at 1‑800‑440‑0680 for in‑store purchases or Target.com Guest Services at 1‑800‑591‑3869 for online orders. See details on the Target recall page.
- Monitor exposed individuals for skin rash, redness, eye irritation, fever, poor feeding, lethargy or breathing difficulty; seek medical care and tell providers about potential exposure.
- Report adverse events to the FDA’s MedWatch program to help investigators assess possible links.
Target’s response and corporate oversight
Target stated it “cares deeply about the safety of our guests and our products” and initiated the recall out of caution. The company is coordinating with supplier Sapro Temizlik Urunleri and working with the FDA. Target posted a dedicated recall notice and listed the event on its Product Recalls page with recall date June 4, 2026; customers are directed to Target Guest Relations for refunds and details (Target recall page).
Implications for the United States
Economic: The recall affects a major retailer’s private‑label baby product and will have short‑term costs from refunds, disposal and testing; families relying on budget brands may need to seek alternatives.
Political & regulatory: Product safety recalls often prompt renewed scrutiny of supply chain oversight and may lead lawmakers to press for more routine microbial testing of hygiene products. The FDA’s testing and notification role may renew debates about enforcement resources.
Public health: Because infants and immunocompromised people are at higher risk, pediatricians and clinics will emphasize vigilance. Providers should ask about potential exposure when infants present with skin or respiratory symptoms and report suspected events to FDA MedWatch.
Sources
Primary sources for this report:
