Target Recalls Up & Up Baby Wipes Nationwide: Bacterial Contamination Risk

What is being recalled

The voluntary recall covers specific lots and package sizes of two Up & Up wipe lines sold nationwide at Target and on Target.com. 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.

A full list of affected UPCs, lot/manufacturing codes and package sizes is posted by the FDA and Target; use those lists to confirm whether your pack is on the recall list. See the official FDA recall notice and the Target product recall information.

Why the wipes were recalled

Target and the wipes’ contract manufacturer received customer complaints about discoloration and other abnormalities. Those complaints prompted FDA testing of sampled products, which found Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) and Burkholderia gladioli in the tested wipes. The FDA notes these are opportunistic pathogens that can be dangerous to vulnerable people.

“We care deeply about the safety of our guests and our products. Out of an abundance of caution, Target has voluntarily recalled Up and Up Fragrance Free Baby Wipes and Up and Up Fresh Cucumber Baby Wipes.”
— Target company statement

Complaints and adverse events

Target and the manufacturer, Sapro Temizlik Urunleri, have received consumer complaints and adverse event reports, including:

• Browning or discoloration of wipes
• A foul or “chemical” smell
• Skin irritation, rashes and eye irritation
• Possible infections users or caregivers believe were linked to wipe use

Reports remain under investigation; regulators and the company are evaluating whether and how the complaints tie to the recalled lots. Earlier incident reports compiled by a law firm described similar discoloration and rashes in March 2026, weeks before the recall was posted.

Coverage and reports: ABC News coverage, Farzan Law incident report compilation.

Health background on the bacteria

Burkholderia cepacia complex is a group of environmental bacteria found in soil and water; it has previously contaminated medical products and caused severe lung infections in people with cystic fibrosis and bloodstream infections in hospitalized or immunocompromised patients.

Burkholderia gladioli is another environmental species that can cause opportunistic infections — including pneumonia and bloodstream infections — in people with weakened immune systems. The FDA warns newborns, infants and young children are particularly at risk due to developing immune systems.

Clinical risks described by authorities

• Healthy individuals: Contaminated wipes used on skin with minor cuts or abrasions may cause localized infections.
• Newborns, infants and immunocompromised people: Infections could spread into the bloodstream (sepsis) or reach the lungs (pneumonia). Watch for fever, worsening rash, breathing problems, lethargy, poor feeding or rapid breathing.

Manufacturer and regulatory status

The wipes were manufactured by Sapro Temizlik Urunleri under contract. Target described the recall as voluntary and is carrying it out with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The FDA posted an official recall notice in its Recalls, Market Withdrawals & Safety Alerts portal.

Official notices: FDA recall notice and Target product recall information.

Important dates and codes

• Fragrance Free wipes: Manufactured between Nov. 7, 2025 and May 5, 2026; expiration dates May 10, 2028 through Nov. 5, 2028.
• Fresh Cucumber wipes: Manufactured Dec. 29–30, 2025; expiration dates June 29, 2028 through June 30, 2028.
• The recall notice posted June 4, 2026 lists all affected UPCs and lot codes; consumers should verify their product against that list.

What Target and the FDA advise consumers to do

• Stop using the recalled wipes immediately, even if they look normal; contamination may not be visible.
• Return affected wipes to any Target store for a full refund; most store recall returns do not require proof of purchase.
• Contact Target Guest Relations: 1-800-440-0680 for assistance and recall support hours.
• Seek medical care if skin or eye irritation, rash, fever, breathing problems, lethargy or other signs of infection occur after using the wipes; tell the provider about possible exposure to Burkholderia.

How to check if your package is affected

Identify the product as “Up & Up Fragrance Free Baby Wipes” or “Up & Up Fresh Cucumber Scented Baby Wipes.” Then check the UPC, lot/manufacturing code and expiration date against the lists published by the FDA and Target. Do not use contaminated lot numbers even if the wipes do not show discoloration.

Reporting problems

Consumers with adverse events can report to the FDA and should also notify Target. Media reports and consumer-advocacy posts earlier in the year helped prompt the formal testing that led to the recall notice.

Related coverage: ABC News, Nonwovens Industry.

Implications for Las Vegas, Nevada

Economic impact

Many Las Vegas families buy Up & Up wipes at local Target stores and online. The recall may lead to short-term increased shopping for replacement baby care items and a small boost in sales of alternative brands at local retailers. Local Target stores will process refunds and handle increased customer service traffic.

Political and regulatory consequences

Local public health officials and Nevada regulators may monitor the recall and any reported illnesses. The Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health could be alerted to look for clusters tied to the wipes; elected officials focused on consumer safety may press for tighter oversight of contract manufacturers.

Social effects and family concerns

Caregivers, especially parents of newborns, infants and immunocompromised children, may feel heightened worry. Pediatric clinics and urgent care centers should be prepared for calls from concerned parents and should ask about recent wipe use if infants present with rash, fever or breathing problems.

Practical applications for residents

• Compare your pack’s UPC and lot code to the FDA list before using wipes purchased in Las Vegas.
• Return affected packs to your nearest Target for a full refund and keep packs out of reach of children.
• If a baby shows concerning symptoms after wipe use, seek medical care immediately and inform clinicians about possible exposure.

For links and full recall details

• FDA recall notice
• Target product recall information and Target customer recall support
• ABC News coverage
• Nonwovens Industry report
• Earlier incident reports (Farzan Law)

Dateline: Minneapolis, Minnesota (Times Media Service)

Parent Publication: Times Media Service