Baby Wipes Recall Due to Bacterial Contamination

A massive baby wipes recall has been issued for ten different brands of baby wipes because they may contain bacteria and pose a health risk.

Pennsylvania based Nutek Disposables, Inc., a manufacturer of baby wipes for a number of major brands, has issued a nationwide voluntary product recall of certain lots of baby wipes after testing showed contamination with the bacteria Burkholderia cepacia (B. cepacia).

B. cepacia is a group of bacteria found in soil and water that is often resistant to common antibiotics. While it poses little risk to healthy people, those with weakened immune systems or chronic lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis may be particularly at risk to develop serious infection.

Nutek received product complaints about an odor and discoloration of its baby wipes. This prompted the company to perform microbial testing, which showed the presence of B. cepacia bacteria. It also received one complaint of skin irritation. On Oct. 3, 2014, the company recalled the lots of baby wipes that tested positive for the bacteria and other lots produced during the same timeframe at the facility.

After testing additional product lots, Nutek decided it was prudent to recall all baby wipes products.

“Nutek takes the safety of consumers and the quality of its products very seriously and is taking all appropriate steps to address the issue and ensure this does not happen again,” the company said in a release.

Since the initial recall, consumers have reported complaints of rash, irritation, infections, fever, gastro-intestinal issues and respiratory issues. It has not been confirmed that these complaints are related to use of the contaminated products.

Nutek is still investigating the cause of the bacterial contamination and has discontinued distribution of all baby wipes made at that facility.

The baby wipes recall includes the following brands Nutek distributed before Oct. 21, 2014:

*These lot numbers represent all lots manufactured by Nutek. There may be lots made by manufacturers other than Nutek and that are not subject to this recall.