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A class-action lawsuit has been initiated against Costco Wholesale Corp., alleging the sale of baby wipes containing elevated levels of synthetic chemicals harmful to children, as outlined in the complaint.
The lawsuit, filed on behalf of Larisa Bullard of San Ramon, California, and Mila Corrigan of New York, asserts that Kirkland Signature Baby Wipes, Fragrance Free, sold by Costco, are deemed unsuitable for their intended purpose due to containing unsafe concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
In addition to Costco Wholesale Corp., the legal action targets Nice-Pak Products Inc., the manufacturer of the product.
PFAS, identified as harmful even in trace amounts, are known to persist and accumulate in the environment over time, according to legal documentation.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have linked PFAS exposure to various health effects, including liver damage, decreased fertility, increased asthma risk, thyroid disorders, immunotoxic effects, and potential cancer risks.
Allegedly, despite being labeled as containing “Naturally Derived Ingredients,” testing conducted by a Department of Defense laboratory revealed the wipes contained 3.7 parts per billion of PFAS, the lawsuit claims.
Bullard purchased the product online from Costco multiple times between January 2022 and February 2024, relying on the product’s packaging and labels assuming its safety for infants.
According to the complaint, had Bullard been aware of the true nature of the product, she would not have made the purchases.
Similarly, Corrigan stated she would not have bought the wipes had she known they were not safe for their intended use.
Costco Wholesale Corp. and Nice-Pak Products Inc. are facing allegations that include violations of California’s False Advertising Law, breach of express warranty, fraud, negligent misrepresentation, and fraudulent concealment or omission.
The class-action lawsuit was filed on June 20, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.
