Target baby wipe recall: Up & Up baby wipes pulled nationwide after FDA finds Burkholderia cepacia risk
Target has voluntarily recalled specific lots of Up & Up Fragrance Free and Fresh Cucumber baby wipes nationwide after FDA testing found Burkholderia cepacia complex and Burkholderia gladioli in retained samples; consumers should stop use and return packages for refunds.
Key takeaways
- Products affected: Up & Up Fragrance Free and Up & Up Fresh Cucumber Scented Baby Wipes sold at Target stores and Target.com nationwide.
- Health concern: FDA testing detected Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) and Burkholderia gladioli, which can cause serious infections in vulnerable people.
- Immediate action: Stop using the affected wipes and return them to any Target store for a full refund; receipt generally not required.
- More info: See the FDA recall notice and the Target recall page.
What is being recalled
Target is voluntarily recalling multiple sizes and lot codes of its Up & Up baby wipes after consumer complaints and FDA laboratory testing. The recall covers:
- 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.
The FDA lists exact UPCs and manufacturing/lot codes for affected packages — compare your package UPC and lot code with the FDA list before deciding whether your wipes are included. See the FDA recall notice for the full list.
Manufacturing and expiration dates
According to the FDA:
- Fragrance Free wipes were manufactured between Nov. 7, 2025 and May 5, 2026, with expiration dates from May 10, 2028 through Nov. 5, 2028.
- Fresh Cucumber wipes were manufactured Dec. 29–30, 2025, with expiration dates June 29–30, 2028.
Only specific lots are affected; check the FDA notice for the full lot and UPC list before discarding or returning product.
Manufacturer named
The wipes were manufactured for Target by Sapro Temizlik Urunleri, identified in the FDA recall notice as the manufacturer associated with the affected lots.
Why the wipes are being recalled
Target received consumer reports of product discoloration. Target and the manufacturer provided retained samples to the FDA for testing. The FDA laboratory detected Burkholderia cepacia complex and Burkholderia gladioli in some retained product samples. Because these organisms can cause serious infections in vulnerable populations, Target voluntarily recalled the specified lots “out of an abundance of caution” with FDA oversight.
Health risks and what Burkholderia cepacia risk means
About the bacteria: Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) and Burkholderia gladioli are environmental bacteria that can persist in moist products. For healthy people they may cause mild, localized infections; however, officials warn:
- Healthy users with skin cuts or abrasions may develop localized infections (redness, swelling, pus).
- Newborns, infants, young children and people with weakened immune systems may develop more serious infections that can spread to the bloodstream, cause sepsis or pneumonia, and be life‑threatening.
If you notice redness, swelling, warmth, pus, eye irritation, fever or breathing problems after using these wipes, contact a healthcare provider and tell them about possible exposure.
Reported complaints and adverse events
Target and Sapro Temizlik Urunleri received consumer complaints of product discoloration and adverse event reports that include skin irritation, eye irritation and infections possibly linked to wipe use. The FDA and Target say the reports remain under investigation; they have not published a complete count of adverse events.
Consumers and healthcare providers may report problems to the FDA’s MedWatch program.
Guidance for consumers
- Stop using the affected Up & Up wipes immediately. Do not use them on newborns, infants, young children, or immunocompromised people even if packages look normal.
- Return affected packages to any Target store for a full refund; a receipt is generally not required.
- If you or your child develop symptoms, seek medical care and tell the provider about possible exposure to contaminated wipes.
- If you discover discoloration, stop use and return the product. Keep the package or photograph the UPC/lot code to help staff identify the lot.
How to check if your package is affected
- Confirm the brand and variety: Up & Up Fragrance Free or Up & Up Fresh Cucumber Scented.
- Check package size against the affected counts listed above.
- Look for manufacturing and expiration dates on the package. If dates fall within the FDA ranges, compare UPC and lot codes with the FDA recall notice.
- If you cannot confirm lot or UPC, the safest step is to stop using the wipes and return them to Target for a refund.
Official statements and oversight
Target stated it “cares deeply about the safety of our guests and our products” and described the recall as voluntary and precautionary. The company is cooperating with the FDA while investigating the cause and extent of contamination. The FDA characterized this as a company‑initiated voluntary recall and is monitoring the recall and adverse event investigations.
Target: “We care deeply about the safety of our guests and our products.”
Implications for Redding, California
Local families and childcare providers: Redding parents with infants or young children who shop at Target should check home supplies immediately. Recalled Up & Up wipes were sold nationwide and local Target locations may have distributed affected lots. Stop use and return packages for refunds if they match the recall.
Hospitals and clinics: Pediatric clinics, urgent care centers and hospitals in Redding should be aware of the recall. Clinicians evaluating unexplained skin infections, eye irritation or respiratory illness in infants should ask about wipe use and consider bacterial exposure. Report suspected cases to the FDA’s MedWatch.
Childcare businesses and schools: Daycare centers and preschools should check inventory, remove potentially affected products, and notify parents as appropriate.
Retail and supply: Local retailers should monitor Target’s recall updates and coordinate returns. Consumers may dispose of suspect wipes safely and seek replacements from other reputable brands.
Public health and trust: This recall raises supply‑chain and manufacturer control questions for concerned readers; the FDA is actively overseeing the recall while Target investigates.
Contact information and resources
- Target Guest Relations (store purchases): 1‑800‑440‑0680 (7 a.m. – 10 p.m. CT daily). Target.com guest services: 1‑800‑591‑3869. See the Target recall page.
- FDA recall notice with full UPCs, lot codes and package listings: FDA recall notice
- Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch: MedWatch reporting
Bottom line for Redding parents: check your packs now, stop use if your product matches the recall, return affected wipes to Target for a refund, and contact your healthcare provider if you observe signs of infection.
