Target recalls Up & Up baby wipes over microbial contamination risks

Target (NYSE:TGT) has initiated a nationwide voluntary recall of its proprietary Up & Up brand baby wipes, citing the potential for microbial contamination that poses significant health risks to consumers.

The retail giant is pulling specific lots of its Fragrance Free and Fresh Cucumber Scented wipes from store shelves and its e-commerce platform following reports of product discoloration and subsequent testing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The investigation identified the presence of Burkholderia cepacia complex and Burkholderia gladioli in samples of the affected products.

Health officials warn that exposure to these bacteria can lead to serious and, in some cases, life-threatening infections.

While the risk is present for all users, the danger is most acute for newborns, infants, and immunocompromised individuals, whose developing or suppressed immune systems make them more susceptible to systemic infections such as sepsis or pneumonia.

In healthier populations, contact with contaminated material on skin with minor abrasions may still result in localized infections.

The recall encompasses a wide range of packaging sizes for the two affected scent varieties.

For the Fragrance Free line, the recall applies to products with manufacturing date codes ranging from November 7, 2025, to May 5, 2026.

The Fresh Cucumber Scented wipes included in the recall bear manufacturing codes dated December 29, 2025, to December 30, 2025.

All affected items carry expiration dates in 2028.