Target faces class action over recalled baby wipes

In Brief

• Target is facing a proposed class action over recalled Up&Up baby wipes allegedly at risk of microbial contamination.
• The wipes were recalled in June 2026 after customer complaints and FDA testing identified potential contamination.
• Plaintiffs claim Target’s marketing and labeling failed to disclose the presence or risk of harmful bacteria.
• The lawsuit alleges negligence, deceptive trade practices, warranty breaches, and unjust enrichment.

Minneapolis-based Target is facing a proposed class action alleging it misled consumers by selling recalled Up&Up baby wipes that were allegedly at risk of microbial contamination. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

Target’s recalled Up&Up Fragrance Free and Fresh Cucumber Scented baby wipes were sold nationwide. According to the complaint, the Up&Up baby wipes were marketed as featuring a 99% water formula and were labeled as soft and durable, hypoallergenic, pediatrician and dermatologist tested, and made with plant-derived ingredients.

The wipes were voluntarily recalled in June 2026 after customer complaints of discoloration and FDA testing identified potential microbial contamination. The recall affected millions of wipes sold both in Target stores and online. Consumers were instructed to stop using the products immediately and return them for a refund.

The recalled wipes were found to contain Burkholderia cepacia complex and Burkholderia gladioli, bacteria that can cause serious infections in vulnerable individuals. While healthy people may experience localized skin irritation or infection, newborns, infants, and people with weakened immune systems face a greater risk of bloodstream infections, sepsis, or pneumonia.

“[C]onsumers expect the packaging and labels to accurately disclose the presence of such bacteria within the Products,” the complaint states. “Defendant’s advertising and marketing campaign is false, deceptive, and misleading because the Products do contain, or risk containing, B. cepacia and B. gladioli, which is dangerous to one’s health and well-being. Nevertheless, Defendant does not list or mention B. cepacia and B. gladioli anywhere on the Products’ packaging or labeling.”

According to the FDA, the contamination was identified after customer complaints and laboratory testing of product samples. Per the FDA announcement, “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.”

“Defendant is using a marketing and advertising campaign that omits from the packaging that the Products contain, or risk containing, B. cepacia and B. gladioli. Knowing of the presence of B. cepacia and B. gladioli is material to reasonable consumers. The presence of B. cepacia and B. gladioli was solely within the possession of Defendant, and consumers could only obtain such information by conducting and by sending the products off to a laboratory for extensive testing,” the complaint states.

The lawsuit argues that Target’s recall is inadequate because consumers were instructed to immediately stop using the wipes, making it likely many would throw them away before learning they needed the products to obtain a refund. According to the complaint, many shoppers also lack receipts or purchased the wipes at different Target locations, creating additional barriers to receiving compensation. Plaintiffs contend the recall was structured to limit Target’s financial liability while providing relief to relatively few affected consumers.

The complaint asserts six causes of action against Target, including negligence, unjust enrichment, violations of the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act and the Illinois Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act, and breaches of both express and implied warranties. The plaintiffs seek compensatory, statutory, and punitive damages, as well as pre-judgment interest, attorneys’ fees, expert fees, litigation costs, and reimbursement of expenses incurred in pursuing the case.

In a statement, Target said it does not comment on pending litigation.