US wipes withdrawn

Nutek Disposables, based in McElhattan, Philadelphia, has initiated a USA-wide voluntary product recall of its baby wipes at the retail level because some packages may contain bacteria.  

The wipes are manufactured under the brand names Cuties, Diapers.com, Femtex, Fred’s, Kidgets, Member’s Mark, Simply Right, Sunny Smiles, Tender Touch and Well Beginnings. These wipes were distributed by Nutek before October 21 this year to the retail stores  Walgreens, Sam’s Club, Family Dollar, Fred’s, and Diapers.com. 

After receiving a small number of complaints of odour and discoloration, Nutek conducted microbial testing that showed the presence of a bacteria, called Burkholderia cepacia (B. cepacia), in some of these products.  

At the beginning of October the company initiated a voluntary withdrawal of lots that had tested positive for the bacteria, as well as other baby wipes in the surrounding time frame. After some additional lots were tested as a precautionary measure, Nutek believed it was a prudent decision to withdraw all its baby wipe products.

B. cepacia poses little medical risk to healthy people, but those with certain health problems like weakened immune systems or chronic lung diseases – particularly cystic fibrosis – may be more susceptible to infections from it

At the date of the original withdrawal, the company had in 2014 received a small number of reports of irritation.  Numerous reports of complaints have since been received by the company that include rash, irritation, infections, fever, gastro-intestinal issues,and respiratory issues, though these reports have not been confirmed to be related to the use of the products.

The company has not identified the cause of the problem, but is continuing to investigate.  In the interim, Nutek has stopped shipping baby wipes manufactured at the facility.

The company is now working with the US Food & Drug Administration and the affected retailers and distributors to address the issue.