Parents are being urged to check their homes urgently after a popular range of baby wipes was recalled amid fears they could trigger serious and potentially life-threatening infections.
Retail giant Target has voluntarily pulled several of its Up and Up baby wipe products from sale after testing revealed traces of bacteria that may pose a significant health risk, particularly to newborns, infants and young children.
The recall covers both Up and Up Fragrance-Free Baby Wipes and Up and Up Fresh Cucumber Scented Baby Wipes, which were sold in stores throughout the US as well as online.
According to a notice published by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on 5th June, the products were withdrawn from shelves following customer complaints and subsequent testing that confirmed bacterial contamination.
Concerned customers reported a range of symptoms including skin irritation, eye irritation and infections following use of the wipes. Some users also noticed discolouration within the products themselves.
The FDA has warned that wipes contaminated with Burkholderia cepacia complex and Burkholderia gladioi could result in severe illness.
“Use of products contaminated with Burkholderia cepacia complex and Burkholderia gladioi may result in serious and life-threatening infections,” the agency said.
The alert is particularly alarming given that the wipes are predominantly used on babies and young children, whose immune systems are still in the early stages of development. Health authorities have warned of a heightened risk for immunocompromised individuals, including infants, as infections could potentially enter the bloodstream and trigger serious conditions such as sepsis or pneumonia.
Both Target and manufacturer Sapro Temizlik Urunleri have received complaints from customers reporting adverse reactions following use of the products. These incidents are currently being investigated.
In a statement, the FDA said: “These reports remain under investigation. Target is coordinating with the manufacturer and continues to investigate this matter.”
Customers who have purchased the recalled wipes are being urged to cease using them immediately and return them to any Target store for a full refund.
Those with queries are advised to get in touch with Target Guest Relations on 1-800-440-0680.
Recalled Up & Up baby wipes
- Up & Up Fragrance-Free Baby Wipes
- 20-count pack – UPC: 085239265956
- 72-count pack – UPC: 085239265949
- 216-count pack – UPC: 085239265963
- 800-count pack – UPC: 085239266137
- 1200-count pack – UPC: 085239266090
- Up & Up Fresh Cucumber Scented Baby Wipes
- 72-count pack – UPC: 085239265970
- 216-count pack – UPC: 085239265994
- 800-count pack – UPC: 085239265987
Any parents who possess the affected products are strongly advised to stop using them straight away and seek medical attention should their child show signs of irritation or infection following use.