Target recalls Up Up baby wipes for bacterial contamination

Target has issued a nationwide recall for several lots of its Up Up brand baby wipes after testing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration identified potentially dangerous bacteria. The voluntary recall, announced on June 4, affects Up Up Fragrance Free Baby Wipes and Up Up Fresh Cucumber Scented Baby Wipes sold at Target stores and on Target.com.

The FDA stated that its testing identified the presence of Burkholderia cepacia complex and Burkholderia gladioli in samples of the affected wipes. These bacteria can cause serious and potentially life-threatening infections, particularly in vulnerable populations. The recall was initiated after Target and the manufacturer, Sapro Temizlik Urunleri, received a number of consumer complaints and adverse event reports. These reports alleged product discoloration and symptoms including skin irritation, eye irritation, and infections that may be linked to the wipes' use. The reports remain under investigation.

Health officials warn that while healthy individuals using the contaminated wipes on skin with minor cuts may develop localized infections, the risk is far greater for others. Newborns, infants, young children, and immunocompromised...