For new parents, baby wipes are a simple convenience that have become a cornerstone of modern childcare – used for everything from changing diapers and wiping sticky fingers to mopping up endless spills and messes. 

So the news that a major retailer had recalled thousands of packs of wipes due to toxic contamination likely sparked concern in millions of American households.

This week, Target voluntarily pulled its Up & Up Fragrance Free Baby Wipes and Fresh Cucumber Scented Baby Wipes from shelves after customers reported unusual discoloration – and, more worryingly, symptoms including irritation and potential infections.

FDA testing revealed the presence of bacteria that can cause serious and even life-threatening illness. 

The agency classified the recall as Class I – the most serious – given when exposure could potentially lead to severe health consequences or death.  

Consumers have been urged to stop using the wipes immediately and return them for a full refund. It remains unclear how the contamination occurred or whether anyone has fallen seriously ill.

This incident is undoubtedly worrying.

But experts warn it points to a broader issue with pre-moistened wipes: these everyday essentials may carry hidden risks far beyond a single recall, from antibiotic-resistant bacteria to so-called ‘forever chemicals’ and microplastics lurking in their fibers.

Target recalled two versions of its store-brand baby wipes

Deadly bacteria that triggered Target recall 

Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc), the bacteria detected in the recalled wipes, poses little risk to most healthy people – but can cause serious infections in vulnerable groups, including babies, whose immune systems are still developing. 

Symptoms can include fever, fatigue and, in more serious cases, life-threatening complications. 

Crucially, many Bcc strains are resistant to multiple antibiotics, making infections extremely difficult to treat. 

The bacteria are commonly found in soil and water, and exposure can occur through contaminated surfaces, medical equipment or person-to-person contact. 

A related species, Burkholderia gladioli, was also found in the wipes and is known to cause similar infections. 

For healthy individuals, using contaminated wipes on minor cuts or broken skin may lead only to localized irritation or infection. But in vulnerable groups such as newborns, infants and young children, the consequences can be far more severe.

According to the FDA, infections in these groups are more likely to spread into the bloodstream, potentially leading to sepsis or pneumonia. It is not yet clear how the contamination occurred, and investigations are ongoing.

Target voluntarily recalled its Up & Up Fragrance Free Baby Wipes and Up & Up Fresh Cucumber Scented Baby Wipes

How contamination can happen

Disposable wipes are typically pre-moistened with purified water, but that moisture also makes them susceptible to contamination.

If the water used during manufacturing is not properly sterilized, or production equipment becomes contaminated, bacteria can spread rapidly through entire batches of wipes.

Bcc, in particular, is difficult to eliminate. 

‘Burkholderia bacteria are found naturally in the environment and are well known for being resistant to many commercially available antibiotics,’ said Dr John J LiPuma, professor emeritus of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at the University of Michigan.

‘They can also survive many common disinfectants and are notorious for contaminating a wide range of medicinal and healthcare products.’

Manufacturers add preservatives to prevent bacteria multiplying inside wipes, but contamination can still occur if the manufacturing process is compromised. 

Damage to packaging or prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures may also reduce the effectiveness of preservatives, allowing bacteria to grow.

Similar contamination incidents have occurred before. 

In 2025, Neutrogena recalled cleansing towelettes after they were found to contain Pluralibacter gergoviae. 

As with Bcc, while the bacterium poses little risk to most healthy people, it has been linked to serious infections, including sepsis, in people with weakened immune systems.

The hidden risks of ‘forever chemicals’

Beyond bacteria, experts also warn that some wipes may expose users to potentially harmful chemicals.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) gave Target’s recalled fragrance-free wipes a low hazard score of one out of ten, indicating minimal concern. 

However, the cucumber-scented version scored higher, largely because it contains added fragrance.

That single ingredient can conceal a complex cocktail of chemicals.

‘The word “fragrance” or “parfum” on the product label represents an undisclosed mixture,’ the EWG warns, which can include substances such as diethyl phthalate.

Phthalates are commonly used to make scents last longer and are found in around three-quarters of scented personal care products.

They are also used to soften plastics, and may be found in the fabric baby wipes are made from – although these won’t be listed on the label.  

Emerging evidence suggests long-term exposure to phthalates may interfere with the body’s hormone system. Studies have linked the chemicals to reduced fertility, obesity and diabetes, while exposure during pregnancy has also been associated with babies being born at a lower birth weight. 

A 2024 review published in Science of the Total Environment found children exposed to higher levels of phthalates before birth were more likely to have poorer motor skills, weaker memory, delayed language development, and behavioral and attention problems.

Studies have also associated phthalates with cardiovascular problems, including high blood pressure, and increased inflammation. 

Researchers are also investigating whether long-term phthalate exposure could increase the risk of certain cancers, including breast, thyroid and testicular cancer, although studies in humans have yet to establish a clear link. 

The FDA has historically maintained that the levels of phthalates found in cosmetics and personal care products do not pose a safety risk. However, it has begun to reassess the chemicals’ application in other areas, including revoking the authorization of certain phthalates previously used in food-contact materials. 

Microplastics can be common in disposable baby wipes and have been linked to developmental issues in infants and young children 

The microplastics problem 

Another growing concern is the materials disposable wipes are made from. Many are manufactured using plastic fibers such as polypropylene or polyester, which make them soft, strong and less likely to tear.

Each time a wipe is used, tiny fragments of these plastics – known as microplastics – can be shed. 

Because the fibers do not readily break down, they can also accumulate in the environment, where they may eventually enter the food chain.

Scientists have detected microplastics in human blood, lungs and even the placenta, although it is not yet clear what effect, if any, these particles have on human health.

Some studies have linked higher levels of microplastics with inflammation and raised concerns about possible effects on the heart and reproductive system. 

Animal research has also suggested early-life exposure could affect growth, brain development and motor function.

However, experts stress that research in humans is still at an early stage, and there is currently no conclusive evidence that exposure levels from everyday products directly cause disease.

What parents can do

With concerns mounting, consumer watchdogs say there are simple ways parents can reduce potential risks.

Consumer Reports recommends choosing fragrance-free wipes wherever possible and looking for products made from plant-based materials such as bamboo or cotton rather than plastic fibers. 

Parents can also check the ingredients list and avoid products containing phthalates or unnecessary additives.

While recalls such as Target’s remain relatively rare, experts say they are a reminder that even everyday baby products are not entirely risk-free. 

For many parents, paying closer attention to ingredients and materials may be a simple way to reduce unnecessary exposure.

Telling a teenager to go to bed early is often a thankless task, typically met with eye rolls and protests.

But scientists say getting a few extra hours of shut-eye could protect youngsters against serious long-term health risks such as type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen found teens who got even just one extra hour of sleep had fewer fluctuations in their blood sugar levels.

This is important because large swings in blood sugar – scientifically referred to as glucose – can trigger inflammation and place pressure on the body’s metabolic systems. Over time, this can increase the risk of developing serious health conditions like obesity and diabetes.

The number of young people with diabetes has surged globally, with cases doubling over the past 30 years. In England, almost 1,600 children are living with type 2 diabetes – caused by having overly high blood sugar levels.

While a link between sleep and metabolic disease such as diabetes is not new, most previous research has focused on middle-aged adults or people already at increased risk of the condition. 

Authors of the new research, published in the journal SLEEP, however, say their findings suggest that it can also affect young people.

Professor Morten Arendt Rasmussen, from the department of food science at the University of Copenhagen, and the study’s senior author, said: ‘We already know that sleep is important for mental well-being. Our study adds to our understanding of why sleep is also crucial for physical health – and that this applies even early in adulthood.

Teenagers sleeping for longer could be protected against serious health complications like type 2 diabetes and obesity, scientists say

‘It also highlights that many of the health problems we tend to see later in life may actually be established much earlier than we previously thought.’ 

The researchers conducted the study by tracking 206 18-year-olds in Denmark for around two weeks using devices that monitored movement, sleep and blood sugar levels. 

For every extra hour of sleep, the teens’ glucose became more stable, with fewer day-to-day fluctuations. 

Meanwhile, average blood sugar rose slightly – by 0.39 milligrams per decilitre mg/dL – a unit which measures blood sugar levels in some nations outside the UK.

Although a rise in blood sugar may not sound like an improvement, it was accompanied by a lower risk of dangerous highs and lows. This suggests overall healthier blood sugar regulation. 

Professor Rasmussen explained: ‘For most 18-year-olds, diabetes feels like something far off in the future. 

‘We’ve known very little about what blood sugar variability means for this age group. But here we’re seeing similar patterns even in completely healthy young adults.’

The research also found that teenagers whose blood sugar fluctuated more during the day tended to sleep for almost seven minutes less the following night, suggesting sleep and blood sugar influence one another. 

David Horner, a postdoctoral researcher from the University of Copenhagen, and the study’s first author, said: ‘So this appears to be a two-way relationship – and that’s new.’

Researchers were also surprised to find that longer sleep was associated with higher blood sugar levels during the morning.

But Professor Rasmussen believes this ‘may actually be beneficial’ because it could ‘help curb sugar cravings and thereby contribute to more stable blood sugar overall’.

Although the study cannot prove that longer sleep directly causes healthier blood sugar regulation, the researchers say it suggests that relatively simple lifestyle changes could have long-term health benefits. 

Professor Rasmussen said: ‘If future studies confirm our findings, sleep could become an even more important factor in preventing disease and promoting health among young people. 

‘And taking action doesn’t require a new diet or an expensive gym membership – it really just comes down to going to bed.’

Around 4.7 million people in the UK are living with a diabetes diagnosis, although Diabetes UK estimates almost 1.3 million have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. 

Left unmanaged type 2 diabetes can lead to life-altering complications such as heart attacks, strokes, blindness and limb amputations. 

An estimated 2.6million people already use weight-loss drugs to tackle stubborn fat.

Last month, a new pill form of Wegovy – the blockbuster slimming jab – was approved for use in the UK in what has been hailed as a game-changing moment for obesity treatment.

Take-up is expected to be huge, with studies suggesting people are twice as likely to opt for a tablet as an injection.

Yet for some, the results can be underwhelming, while others are reluctant to rely on medication at all.

Now experts say a little-known ingredient – known as Amarasate – could offer an alternative, naturally stimulating appetite-suppressing hormones and helping to boost weight loss.

Studies suggest people who take Amarasate, which is rich in bitter compounds, experience less food noise, eat smaller portions and feel fuller for longer.

Amarasate is derived from hops, the plant best known for giving beer its distinctive bitter taste. Researchers believe those same naturally occurring compounds may hold the key to curbing appetite.

‘The bitterness is key,’ says Dr Madusha Peiris, a neurogastroenterologist at Queen Mary University of London.

Amarasate comes from hops, a plant cultivated in New Zealand that contains bitter acids which can activate taste receptors in our gut 

‘Most people think taste happens only in the mouth, but the gut is also packed with specialised sensors that can detect compounds in the food we eat.

‘When these sensors are activated, they trigger the release of hormones that influence hunger and fullness, helping to tell the brain when we’ve had enough to eat.

‘The bitter compounds found in hops appear to be particularly effective at activating some of these pathways, including those linked to hormones such as GLP-1. These compounds are largely missing from modern diets, which is one reason researchers are so interested in them.’

So what is Amarasate – and how does it work?

First, it’s important to understand how the body naturally regulates appetite.

While many nutrients are absorbed higher up in the digestive tract, others – particularly fibre – resist digestion until they reach the colon. This is significant because many of the cells responsible for producing appetite-suppressing hormones are concentrated in the lower gut.

‘The more nutrients that reach the lower part of the gut, the more likely you are to feel full for longer,’ says Dr Peiris.

‘What seems to be a big problem for lots of people, especially those struggling to maintain a healthy weight, is food noise – repetitive thoughts about food that can drive snacking and overeating. That often stems from not producing enough of these appetite-suppressing hormones.’

This is where the bitter compounds in Amarasate – sold under the brand name Calocurb – come in.

Amarasate is the active ingredient in Calocurb

The supplement, which costs around 75p per pill, is designed to deliver its bitter compounds much further down the digestive tract, near the colon, rather than releasing them in the stomach.

There, the compounds effectively trick the gut into thinking an intensely bitter food has arrived, activating receptors that trigger the release of satiety hormones, including GLP-1, peptide YY (PYY) and cholecystokinin (CCK).

These are the same hormones released after eating a diverse, fibre-rich meal. But, as Dr Peiris explains, modern diets often fail to stimulate this response.

‘Highly processed foods, which tend to contain a lot of free sugars and require very little chewing, don’t activate these fullness signals as effectively,’ she says. ‘As a result, we start releasing satiety hormones much later.’

‘Digestion then happens relatively quickly, with food broken down and absorbed before it can reach many of these key receptors further down the digestive tract.’

Weight loss drugs work on some of the same hormonal pathways, but in a much more potent way, flooding the body with synthetic GLP-1 at levels far above those produced naturally.

Research suggests Amarasate may help stimulate the body’s own appetite-regulating systems. A 2022 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that it reduced the number of calories men consumed at mealtimes by almost 20 per cent, while significantly increasing levels of key satiety hormones.

A more recent study involving women produced similar findings, with participants reporting up to a 40 per cent reduction in food cravings.

Another trial, published in Nutrition Journal, followed 200 overweight adults and found those given a bitter hops extract daily had significantly less visceral fat after eight weeks than those receiving a placebo.

Visceral fat is considered particularly dangerous because it accumulates deep inside the abdomen, surrounding organs such as the liver and pancreas and increasing the risk of conditions including heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

After 12 weeks, participants taking the hops extract had lost around seven times more visceral fat than those in the placebo group, while also reducing their overall body-fat levels.

However, experts caution that the evidence remains limited and there is not yet enough research to suggest supplements such as Amarasate could replace prescription weight loss drugs, particularly for patients with obesity-related conditions such as diabetes or sleep apnoea.

Dr Peiris believes the findings nevertheless highlight the importance of naturally stimulating the gut’s appetite-control systems through diet.

‘As a gut scientist who studies nutrient-sensing mechanisms, it’s encouraging to see human studies showing changes in appetite and appetite-regulating hormones,’ she says.

‘But bitter, fibre-rich foods are likely to have a much greater impact because they stimulate these receptors while also nourishing the gut.

‘Humans fundamentally know the kinds of foods they should be eating, but in modern society it’s becoming increasingly difficult to eat a diverse range of fruits and vegetables.

‘It’s that combination of colourful, fibre-rich foods that really helps to support gut health and maximise the release of these satiety hormones.’

This comes amid growing interest in natural ways to activate the same biological pathways targeted by blockbuster weight loss drugs.

Earlier this year, experts told the Daily Mail that psyllium husk – a fibre supplement costing as little as 7p per serving – could help ‘turbo-charge’ the effects of Wegovy and Mounjaro by increasing feelings of fullness, reducing cholesterol levels and potentially helping patients maintain their weight loss after coming off the drugs.

Researchers say both psyllium husk and Amarasate appear to work by stimulating the body’s own appetite-control mechanisms, albeit in different ways.

However experts stress that neither supplement is a replacement for medical treatment.