FDA Announces Recall of Baby Wipes Over Possible Bacteria Contamination
Certain baby wipes may contain Burkholderia bacteria, which can pose health risks to infants and immuno-compromised people.
Target has recalled certain Up & Up baby wipes due to potential contamination with Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc), a bacterium that can cause serious infections in infants and people with weakened immune systems, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The recall includes select lots of Up & Up Fragrance-Free Baby Wipes and Up & Up Fresh Cucumber Scented Baby Wipes sold nationwide.
Here is a list of the recalled products including their UPC codes:
Up & Up Fragrance-Free Baby Wipes
- 20 Count: UPC 085239265956
- 72 Count: UPC 085239265949
- 216 Count: UPC 085239265963
- 800 Count: UPC 085239266137
- 1200 Count: UPC 085239266090
Up & Up Fresh Cucumber Scented Baby Wipes
- 72 Count: UPC 085239265970
- 216 Count: UPC 085239265994
- 800 Count: UPC 085239265987
Health Risks and Symptoms
While healthy people may experience mild symptoms such as skin irritation or rashes, Bcc can lead to more serious infections including pneumonia or sepsis in newborns, premature infants and immuno-compromised patients.
Cook Children’s Infectious Diseases specialists encourage families to stop using the recalled wipes immediately and monitor children for symptoms.
“Early warning signs may include redness, tenderness, warmth or swelling on the skin, especially around cuts or abrasions cleaned with the wipes,” said Mary Suzanne Whitworth, M.D., medical director of Infectious Diseases at Cook Children’s. “Infants and young children may also develop fever, poor feeding, irritability or lethargy.”
Families should contact their child’s primary care physician or seek care at one of Cook Children’s Urgent Care Center or Emergency Department if a child develops symptoms or appears ill after exposure to the wipes.
At this time, Cook Children’s infectious disease team has not evaluated any confirmed patient cases linked to the recalled wipes.
What Should Consumers Do?
The FDA advises consumers to stop using the products immediately and return them to any Target store for full refund. More information available on the FDA website.
About Cook Children's Expert
Mary Suzanne Whitworth, M.D. is the medical director of Infectious Diseases at Cook Children’s, which offers care for children and teens with diseases caused by bacteria, parasites, fungi or viruses. Our team provides a broad range of services including diagnosis, inpatient and outpatient consultations, immune deficiency evaluations and treatment of recurring infections.
