By Miriam Raftery
June 8, 2026 (San Diego County) – Target has recalled Up & Up baby wipes, both fragrance-free and cucumber-scented, after consumers reported infections in infants and testing by the United States Food and Drug Administration found contamination with Burkholderia cepacia and Burkholderia gladioli. These bacteria can cause localized or systemic infections capable of spreading into the bloodstream, which can result in life-threatening sepsis and/or pneumonia.
The products were sold at Target stores nationwide and on Target.com. The recall includes packages in various sizes. Customers have reported discoloration of products, skin irritations, and infections. If used on broken skin, the FDA says, the risks are greater for newborns, babies and young children — those for whom baby wipes are primarily designed — as they have still-developing immune systems.
According to the FDA, consumers should immediately stop using the recalled products and return them to any Target store for a full refund. Consumers can contact Target Guest Relations at (800) 440-0680 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT daily for more information.
Some consumers have had difficulty returning items prior to the recall.
Local resident Penny Ferguson King told East County Magazine that her daughter’s baby fell ill after using the wipes in Washington State. According to Ferguson, “Target wouldn’t take them back, even though she had a receipt. Now that there’s an official recall, she said they’re going to take them back if she has to dump the remaining packages on their counter. She was so angry, and rightfully so. She has a son who is a complex patient and can only use certain things.”
According to Consumer Reports, symptoms of infection with B. cepacia complex or B. gladioli may be absent or can range from fever and fatigue to respiratory infections. The bacteria can be especially dangerous for those with cystic fibrosis. If you have concerns about any symptoms your baby or young child is showing, contact your pediatrician.
If you have the wipes included in the recall (see item numbers below), photograph the package item numbers and sell-by dates so you have a record of the product information in the rare case that your child gets sick. You can return them to Target stores for a full refund.
For a full list of recalled items, see https://www.consumerreports.org/babies-kids/baby-product-recalls/target-baby-wipes-recall-up-and-up-a8024084077/
Target and the manufacturer of the wipes, Sapro Temizlik Urunleri, have received a number of consumer complaints and adverse event reports alleging product discoloration and symptoms such as skin irritation, eye irritation and infections potentially associated with the use of the product. These reports remain under investigation. Target is coordinating with the manufacturer and continues to investigate this matter.
For additional information, including refunds and impacted product information, view the company’s release.
For questions, call Target Guest Relations at (800) 440-0680.