A recall of baby wipes because of a possible bacterial contamination that can make kids sick has expanded to include ten brands sold online and in stores across the country.
Nutek Disposables, Inc. of Pennsylvania is recalling all lots of the following brands of baby wipes: Cuties, Diapers.com, Femtex, Kidgets, Member's Mark, Simply Right, Sunny Smiles, Tender Touch and Well Beginnings.
The wipes were sold at online retailers, including Amazon and Diapers.com, and at retail stores, including Walgreens, Sam's Club, Family Dollar and Fred's Stores.
Nutek, which manufactures the wipes, tested some of them after receiving consumer complaints of a bad odor and discoloration. The tests found some were contaminated with B. cepacia bacteria.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the bacteria does not pose a big risk to healthy people but could be harmful to those who have weakened immune systems, especially children with cystic fibrosis.
Sam's Club had issued a recall for Simply Right baby wipes earlier this month, notifying its customers through e-mail on Oct. 10 about possible contamination with the B. cepacia bacteria. An expanded recall was announced over the weekend.
Consumers can return the potentially contaminated wipes for a full refund. The FDA has more information on the recall here.
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NBC 5 found affected wipes still on some North Texas store shelves, but places like Family Dollar are no longer selling them to customers.
Dr. Russ McDonald, medical director of Pediatrics After Hours, said those at risk are children with weakened immune systems.
"This bacteria might invade through some broken down skin and cause some type of bacterial infection, but mainly in immune suppressed or weakened immune systems," said McDonald.
"Your baby, who's probably well and healthy, has no concerns whatsoever. However, if your baby had a rash, had some skin breakdown and you've been using these contaminated wipes, I would call the pediatrician and let him take a look at it," McDonald added.
James Garmon, father of three from Haltom City, has been using Member's Mark brand wipes from Sam's Club for years. He said he has noticed no smell or discoloration in the wipes but was concerned when he heard about the recall.
"We were used to them. The babies were used to them, and they never gave us any problem at all," said Garmon. "Our kids are healthy and we've been very blessed and fortunate for that."
