Nutek Disposables recalls some baby wipe brands over B. cepacia presence

Nutek Disposables, a manufacturer of wet wipe products in the US, has recalled a number of its baby wipe brands, over possible presence of Burkholderia cepacia in some packages.

Burkholderia cepacia is a bacteria that can pose issues for people living with health problems, such as cystic fibrosis or chronic lung diseases that lead to a weakened immune system, according to FDA.

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

Following this, the company issued a nationwide voluntary product recall at a retail level of all lots of its Cuties, Diapers.com, Femtex, Fred’s, Kidgets, Member’s Mark, Simply Right, Sunny Smiles, Tender Touch and Well Beginnings baby wipes.

The brands are sold in retailers including Walgreens, Sam’s Club and Family Dollar.

As of 3 October, 2014, the date of the original withdrawal, the company had received only one report 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 these products.

The company has not identified the cause of the problem, but it continues to investigate, and is also working with the US Food & Drug Administration and the affected retailers and distributors throughout this process to address the issue.