Target issues nationwide recall of Up & Up baby wipes after FDA finds bacteria that can cause serious infections
Target has issued a nationwide voluntary recall of specific Up & Up Fragrance Free and Fresh Cucumber baby wipes after FDA testing found Burkholderia cepacia complex and Burkholderia gladioli; consumers should stop use and return affected products for a refund.
Key takeaways
- Stop using recalled wipes immediately: FDA testing detected Burkholderia cepacia complex and Burkholderia gladioli in sampled Up & Up wipes.
- Who is most at risk: Newborns, infants, young children and immunocompromised people face the greatest danger; healthy adults may experience localized infections.
- Return for refund: Bring affected packages to any Target store for a full refund, or contact Target.com Guest Services for online purchases.
- Check your package: Compare UPCs, lot numbers and expiration dates to the official FDA list before disposing or returning products.
What happened
Target said it is voluntarily recalling certain lots of Up & Up Fragrance Free Baby Wipes and Up & Up Fresh Cucumber Scented Baby Wipes after customers reported product discoloration and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration conducted laboratory testing that confirmed microbial contamination. See the FDA recall notice and Target’s own information on the recall at the Target recall page.
What products are included in the recall?
The recall covers specific UPCs, lot numbers and package sizes. Consumers should compare package codes to the FDA list before returning or discarding items. Affected products include:
- Up & Up Fragrance Free Baby Wipes: 20‑count, 72‑count, 216‑count, 800‑count and 1,200‑count packages.
- Up & Up Fresh Cucumber Scented Baby Wipes: 72‑count, 216‑count and 800‑count packages.
- Sold nationwide at Target stores and online — confirm UPC and lot against the FDA recall notice for the full list.
Why the recall was issued
Target received multiple consumer complaints of discoloration. Following those reports, FDA testing identified Burkholderia cepacia complex and Burkholderia gladioli in sampled wipes. Target called the action a voluntary recall taken “out of an abundance of caution” while working with the manufacturer, Sapro Temizlik Urunleri, and coordinating with the FDA.
What the bacteria can do: Burkholderia cepacia risk explained
These Burkholderia species are environmental organisms capable of causing infections in vulnerable populations. In infants and immunocompromised people, contamination may lead to bloodstream infections, sepsis or pneumonia — conditions that can be life‑threatening. For healthy adults, contaminated wipes used on broken skin may cause localized infections.
Reported problems and ongoing investigations
Target and the manufacturer have received consumer complaints and adverse event reports that include product discoloration, skin irritation, eye irritation and infections potentially linked to the wipes. The FDA is monitoring reports and has posted the official recall notice for consumers to verify affected codes (FDA recall notice).
Manufacturing dates and expiration windows to check
Compare the manufacturing codes and expiration dates on your package to the FDA list before returning items. The FDA lists the affected manufacturing ranges and expiration dates:
- Fragrance Free: Manufactured Nov. 7, 2025 through May 5, 2026. Expiration dates May 10, 2028 through Nov. 5, 2028.
- Fresh Cucumber Scented: Manufactured Dec. 29–30, 2025. Expiration dates June 29, 2028 through June 30, 2028.
Always compare UPC and lot numbers to the full FDA list before assuming a product is affected (FDA recall notice).
What to do now
Immediate steps:
- Stop using any wipes that match the recalled UPCs, lot numbers or expiration dates.
- Do not use recalled wipes on newborns, infants, young children, or anyone with a weakened immune system.
- Return for refund: Take the product to any Target store for a full refund (no receipt required). For online purchases, contact Target.com Guest Services at 1‑800‑591‑3869; for in‑store help, call Target Guest Relations at 1‑800‑440‑0680 (7 a.m.–10 p.m. CT daily).
- Seek medical care if you observe signs of infection — spreading redness, swelling, fever, difficulty breathing, lethargy or other concerning symptoms.
Target, manufacturer and FDA roles
Target emphasized guest safety and described the recall as voluntary while it investigates with the manufacturer, Sapro Temizlik Urunleri. The FDA performed testing that detected Burkholderia species in sampled wipes and posted the official recall notice to inform and protect consumers (FDA recall notice).
Implications for the United States
Economic: The nationwide recall affects a common household item and may create short‑term costs for Target and inconvenience for budget‑conscious families. Political: The case underscores federal oversight and supply‑chain scrutiny. Social: New parents and caregivers may feel anxious; clear guidance from Target and the FDA aims to reduce confusion.
Practical applications for daily life
Check UPC, lot number and expiration date on any Up & Up baby wipes you own. If they match the FDA list, stop use and return them to Target for a refund. Monitor infants for signs of irritation or infection and contact a health care provider if concerned. For complete product codes, consult the FDA recall notice and the Target recall page.
Sources and contacts
- FDA recall notice
- Target recall and customer help
- Target Guest Relations: 1‑800‑440‑0680 (7 a.m.–10 p.m. CT daily)
- Target.com Guest Services: 1‑800‑591‑3869
“Stop use, return for refund and seek medical attention for concerning symptoms.” — Guidance compiled from Target and FDA recall information.
