TORONTO — Health Canada says two baby-wipe products are being recalled due to bacterial contamination, which has caused a number of consumer complaints about adverse health effects following their use.
The recall affects all Personnelle Baby Wipes and Cuties Baby Wipes with lot date numbers prior to and including lot 29414.
U.S. manufacturer Nutek Disposables Inc. conducted microbial testing of the baby wipes after it received complaints from consumers about odour and discolouration. Testing showed some of the wipes were contaminated with Burkholderia cepacia.
The bacterium poses little risk to healthy people, but those with weakened immune systems or chronic lung diseases like cystic fibrosis may be more susceptible to infections with B. cepacia.
Nutek Disposables has received numerous reports from customers about rash, irritation, infections, fever and gastro-intestinal and respiratory problems; in some cases, medical attention was sought.
The company has also received two unconfirmed reports of injury from Canadians who purchased the baby wipes in the United States or online.
About 164,000 units of Personnelle Baby Wipes and Cuties Baby Wipes were made available for distribution in Canada. The affected products were sold to Canadian distributors and retailers up to Oct. 21 of this year.
Consumers who have purchased any of the affected baby wipes should stop using them immediately and return the product to place of purchase for a full refund, Health Canada said.
