Target recalls baby wipes after FDA finds bacteria that can cause sepsis in infants
By isabelle // 2026-06-09
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  • Target recalled Up & Up Fragrance Free and Fresh Cucumber Scented Baby Wipes nationwide
  • FDA testing found Burkholderia bacteria capable of causing life-threatening infections
  • The contamination poses serious risks to newborns and young children with developing immune systems
  • Manufacturer Sapro Temizlik Urunleri and Target are investigating multiple consumer complaints
  • Target is offering full refunds and urges immediate return of affected wipes
In a recall that should alarm every parent, Target has pulled two varieties of its store-brand Up & Up baby wipes from shelves nationwide after federal testing discovered bacteria capable of causing life-threatening infections in newborns and young children. The recall covers Up & Up Fragrance Free and Fresh Cucumber Scented Baby Wipes sold both in Target stores and online through Target.com. The action came after customers complained about product discoloration, prompting the Food and Drug Administration to conduct testing. What the FDA found should give any parent pause. Testing identified two dangerous bacteria: Burkholderia cepacia complex and Burkholderia gladioli. According to Target, "Use of products contaminated with Burkholderia cepacia complex and Burkholderia gladioli may result in serious and life-threatening infections."

Why this matters for young children

The products are primarily used on newborns, infants and young children whose immune systems are still developing. For these vulnerable groups, infection can spread into the bloodstream and cause sepsis or pneumonia. Even healthy individuals using the wipes on minor skin abrasions face risk of localized infection. The recall covers specific lot numbers and UPC codes. Parents should check their wipes immediately. Affected Fragrance Free varieties include 20-count pouches (UPC 085239265956), 72-count pouches (UPC 085239265949), 216-count bundles (UPC 085239265963), 800-count boxes (UPC 085239266137) and 1200-count boxes (UPC 085239266090). Manufacturing codes run from Nov. 7, 2025, to May 5, 2026, with expiration dates between May 10, 2028, and Nov. 5, 2028. Fresh Cucumber Scented wipes are also affected, spanning three package sizes: 72-count pouches (UPC 085239265970), 216-count bundles (UPC 085239265994) and 800-count boxes (UPC 085239265987). Manufacturing dates fall between Dec. 29 and Dec. 30, 2025, with expiration dates between June 29 and June 30, 2028. Because the recall affects such a wide range of package sizes, consumers who purchased the wipes should verify their products against the FDA recall notice to ensure they return the correct items.

A history of complaints

Target and the wipes manufacturer, Sapro Temizlik Urunleri, are jointly investigating the contamination. The FDA reports that both companies have fielded multiple consumer complaints and adverse event reports citing product discoloration alongside symptoms including skin irritation, eye irritation and possible infections linked to use of the product. This should serve as a wake-up call. When a product designed for the most sensitive skin on Earth — that of a newborn — can harbor bacteria that cause pneumonia and sepsis, something has gone terribly wrong in the quality control chain. Target is offering full refunds. Consumers should stop using the wipes immediately and return them to any Target location. For questions, Target Guest Relations can be reached at 800-440-0680 between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. ET daily.

What parents need to know

In a statement to Fox Business, a Target spokesperson said, "We care deeply about the safety of our guests and our products. Out of an abundance of caution, Target has voluntarily recalled Up&Up Fragrance Free Baby Wipes and Up&Up Fresh Cucumber Baby Wipes." The reassurance is welcome, but the deeper question remains: How did bacteria known to cause sepsis end up in products marketed specifically for babies? Parents of newborns and young children — already among the most vigilant consumers — deserve better from manufacturers and retailers alike. In the end, this recall highlights a simple truth: Vigilance is never optional when it comes to what touches our children's skin. Check your cupboards. Check your diaper bags. And if you find these wipes, take them back. A few minutes of effort could spare your child a serious infection. Sources for this article include: ChildrensHealthDefense.org MassLive.com ConsumerReports.org FoxBusiness.com
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