Target issues nationwide recall of Up & Up baby wipes after FDA finds dangerous bacteria
Target has issued a voluntary nationwide recall of Up & Up Fragrance Free and Fresh Cucumber baby wipes after FDA testing found Burkholderia cepacia complex and Burkholderia gladioli; consumers should check lot numbers and return affected products for full refund.
Key takeaways
- Who: Target (Up & Up brand); manufacturer identified as Sapro Temizlik Ürünleri.
- What: Voluntary nationwide recall of multiple lot numbers and package sizes of Up & Up Fragrance Free and Fresh Cucumber baby wipes — check the FDA recall notice for the full list.
- Why: FDA testing found Burkholderia cepacia complex and Burkholderia gladioli; complaints include discoloration, skin and eye irritation, and possible infections.
- Action: Stop using affected wipes, compare UPCs/lot codes to the FDA list and return to any Target store for a full refund; contact Target Guest Relations at 1-800-440-0680 for assistance.
Main story
What products are included in the recall
The recall covers multiple sizes and configurations of two Up & Up baby wipe product lines sold nationwide at Target stores and online. A full table of affected UPCs, package types and lot/manufacturing codes is listed in the FDA recall notice.
- Up & Up Fragrance Free Baby Wipes: 20-count, 72-count, 216-count, 800-count and 1,200-count packages. Manufactured Nov. 7, 2025 – May 5, 2026. Expiration dates May 10, 2028 – Nov. 5, 2028.
- Up & Up Fresh Cucumber Scented Baby Wipes: 72-count, 216-count and 800-count packages. Manufactured Dec. 29–30, 2025. Expiration dates June 29–30, 2028.
Consumers should verify UPCs, lot codes and expiration dates against the FDA list before discarding or returning products. See the FDA recall table for details.
Why the recall was issued
Target said it acted “out of an abundance of caution” after customer complaints about discoloration in some packages. FDA testing of samples identified Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) and Burkholderia gladioli in affected wipes. The recall is voluntary and is being conducted in coordination with the FDA.
“Target and the manufacturer have received consumer complaints and adverse event reports including discoloration, skin irritation, eye irritation and infections possibly linked to the wipes.” — FDA and Target reports
Health risks tied to the contamination
The identified bacteria are environmental organisms that can be harmless in low doses for healthy people but may cause serious disease in vulnerable populations. The FDA warns contaminated wipes may cause localized infections if used on skin with cuts or abrasions; in newborns, infants, and immunocompromised people, infections could spread into the bloodstream and lead to sepsis or pneumonia.
Reported symptoms include skin redness, rashes and eye irritation. The number of confirmed infections directly linked to these wipes has not been established; causality remains under investigation. Caregivers should monitor for fever, breathing problems, lethargy, or worsening rash and seek medical care promptly.
What caregivers should do now
- Stop using any Up & Up Fragrance Free or Fresh Cucumber wipes that match the affected lot ranges or show discoloration or unusual odor.
- Check packaging: Compare package UPC, lot/manufacturing code and expiration date against the FDA list before returning or discarding.
- Returns & refunds: Return affected products to any Target store for a full refund; proof of purchase is typically not required. Contact Target Guest Relations at 1-800-440-0680 for questions (hours: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. CT daily).
- Medical guidance: If you or your child used an affected wipe and develop symptoms, contact your healthcare provider and report the exposure; clinicians may order tests or cultures if infection is suspected.
Manufacturer and supply chain
The FDA identifies Sapro Temizlik Ürünleri as the manufacturer of the recalled wipes. Recalled lots were distributed nationwide through Target’s retail and online channels. Target and the manufacturer are working with the FDA to remove affected inventory and trace distribution.
Earlier consumer reports and context
Before the formal recall, consumer incident reports described discoloration (browning), unusual odors and rashes linked to Up & Up Fragrance-Free wipes. Those reports prompted closer regulatory attention. See an example incident report at Incident report example.
Implications for The Inland Empire
Economic and retail impact
- Local Target stores may see increased returns and customer visits, creating short-term staffing and logistics strain at returns counters.
- Families who rely on budget household brands may need replacements quickly; demand for alternative wipes at pharmacies, supermarkets and dollar stores may rise.
Health and community concerns
The Inland Empire has many families with young children and a sizable population with chronic conditions. Parents and caregivers should check household supplies now. Pediatric clinics and urgent-care centers in Riverside and San Bernardino counties may field questions or visits from concerned caregivers. Daycares and childcare providers should inventory wipes used on site and remove any affected products.
Political and regulatory angle
The recall may lead to questions about product safety, oversight of private-label imports and regulatory response time. Local health departments and consumer protection offices can help distribute recall information and assist families identifying affected products.
Practical steps for Inland Empire caregivers
- Check wipes at home and at child-care facilities now; use the FDA recall table to match UPCs and lot codes.
- If your child shows skin or eye irritation after using these wipes, call your pediatrician. For systemic signs — fever, difficulty breathing, extreme lethargy — seek immediate medical care.
- Share recall information with neighbors, childcare centers and parent groups; local clinics and pediatricians can post alerts in waiting rooms.
Source list and reporting notes
This article is based on the FDA recall notice and Target’s recall pages, which provide product lists, lot numbers, manufacture and expiration dates, and consumer guidance:
For questions about refunds or identifying affected products, contact Target Guest Relations at 1-800-440-0680 (hours: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. CT daily). If you or your child develop symptoms after using the recalled wipes, contact your healthcare provider and mention exposure to Up & Up baby wipes potentially contaminated with Burkholderia cepacia complex or Burkholderia gladioli.
