Nutek Disposables, Inc. initiated a nationwide product recall for all baby wipes made under the brands Well Beginnings, Tender Touch, Sunny Smiles, Simply Right, Member's Mark, Kidgets, Fred's, Femtex, Diapers.com, and Cuties due to possible bacterial contamination. The potentially affected baby wipes were distributed to Diapers.com, Fred's, Family Dollar, Sam's Club, and Walgreens before Oct. 21.
A small number of complaints regarding discoloration and odor were received by Nutek, prompting the company to conduct a microbial test. Some of the baby wipes tested positive for Burkholderia cepacia bacteria. This led to the voluntary withdrawal of the affected baby wipes and after additional lots were tested, Nutek decided to withdraw all baby wipes it produced as a precautionary measure.
The bacteria found in the baby wipes, B. cepacia, poses very little health risk to people who are well. However, those with certain medical problems, like chronic lung disease or weakened immune systems, may be more susceptible to infections from the bacteria. Those with chronic lung disease, most especially cystic fibrosis, or weakened immune systems, who used one of the recalled baby wipe brands, are advised to call their doctors immediately.
As of Oct. 3, Nutek has only received word of just one report involving irritation. Since then, the company has received numerous reports complaining about rashes, infections, fevers, irritations, respiratory issues, and gastro-intestinal problems, although it has not been confirmed whether or not these complaints are related to the recalled baby wipes.
Nutek has not identified the source of the bacterial contamination but investigations are still underway. In the meantime, the company has stopped shipping any of the baby wipes that have been manufactured at its facility. It also reiterated that it takes product quality and consumer safety seriously, taking all necessary steps to take care of the issue and guarantee that it never happens again by working with affected distributors and retailers and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.
Well Beginnings and Sunny Smiles are sold at Walgreens, while Simply Right and Member's Mark are sold in Sam's Club. Fred's carries Fred's baby wipes, and Diapers.com offers Diapers.com brand baby wipes products. Family Dollar stocks on Kidgets and Femtex, while Tender Touch and Cuties are available through various retailers.
Consumers affected by the recall may return their baby wipes products to their place of purchase and they will be provided with a refund.
