Public warned against use of contaminated non-sterile alcohol-free wipes

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) are advising the public to stop using specific non-sterile alcohol-free cleansing wipes due to contamination concerns that pose an infection risk.

This urgent public health alert follows the identification of the bacteria Burkholderia stabilis in several wipe products that may have contributed to an ongoing outbreak.

To date, 51 confirmed cases have been recorded across the UK between 2018 and 2025. While no deaths have been reported, some cases have required hospital treatment due to serious infections.

The following products have tested positive for contamination:

• ValueAid Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes

• Microsafe Moist Wipe Alcohol Free

• Steroplast Sterowipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes

• Reliwipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes (contaminated with a different Burkholderia strain not linked to outbreak cases)

Although these items have now been withdrawn from sale, they may still be present in household or workplace first aid kits. Members of the public who have any of the listed products are urged not to use them and to dispose of them in household waste as a precautionary measure.

“Not appropriate for wounds or broken skin”

Health experts stress that non-sterile alcohol-free wipes should never be used on wounds, broken skin, or to clean intravenous lines, even if not contaminated, as they are not considered appropriate or safe for medical use.

“While the overall risk to the public remains very low, a number of non-sterile alcohol-free wipe products have been linked to an outbreak of Burkholderia stabilis,” said Dr James Elston, Consultant in Epidemiology and Public Health at UKHSA.

“It is important these types of wipes are not used for the treatment of injuries, wounds, or broken skin, and that they are not used to clean intravenous lines.”

Dr Elston confirmed the link was discovered through targeted testing and that healthcare professionals were promptly alerted.

Who is at risk?

Burkholderia stabilis is a bacterium typically found in the environment. It rarely causes infection in healthy individuals, but those who are immunocompromised, have cystic fibrosis, or use intravenous lines at home are at increased risk of serious infection.

The public is advised to remain alert for signs of infection, particularly if they have used these products. Symptoms include:

• Wound infections: redness, swelling, warmth, pain, or pus around broken skin

• IV site infections: redness, swelling, pain at the site, or systemic signs like fever and chills

Medical attention should be sought if these symptoms develop.

MHRA action and consumer advice

The MHRA has taken steps to stop the sale and distribution of the affected products.

“We consider wipes which are intended for a medical purpose to be medicines,” explained Dr Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer.

“These products do not have a medicines authorisation, and we are taking appropriate action to ensure compliance with the requirements of the applicable legislation governed by MHRA.”

Consumers are urged to:

• Check their first aid kits and remove any affected products

• Only use sterile wipes on broken skin or wounds

• Follow NHS guidance for treating cuts and grazes

• Consult their medical team if they use intravenous lines or have cystic fibrosis and have concerns

This advisory affects only the four listed products.

Other non-sterile wipes may still be unsuitable for use on wounds or IV lines and should be used with caution.

The UKHSA and MHRA continue to monitor the situation closely and work with manufacturers, distributors, and NHS partners to ensure public safety.