UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have issued an urgent safety warning advising the public to stop using specific non-sterile alcohol-free wipes, following a contamination scare linked to an outbreak of Burkholderia stabilis bacteria.
The advisory, published on 4 August 2025, identifies the following affected products:
- ValueAid Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes
- Microsafe Moist Wipe Alcohol Free
- Steroplast Sterowipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes
- Reliwipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes (contaminated with a related Burkholderia strain not tied to outbreak cases)
While these products have been withdrawn from sale, authorities warn they may still be present in first aid kits and households across the UK.
Risk to General Public Remains Low, But Vulnerable Groups at Risk
Details
Burkholderia stabilis is a bacteria commonly found in natural environments and poses a low risk to healthy individuals. However, immunocompromised people, cystic fibrosis patients, and those with intravenous (IV) lines are at greater risk of developing serious infections.
There have been 51 confirmed cases of infection in the UK between 2018 and 2025, now suspected to be linked to the contaminated wipes. Although no deaths have been associated with the outbreak, several patients required hospital treatment for severe infections.
Public Advisory on Safe Wipe Usage
UKHSA is urging the public to immediately dispose of any affected products and follow these key recommendations:
- Only use sterile wipes on broken skin, wounds, or scratches.
- Ensure first aid kits contain sterile wipes with intact packaging and within expiry dates.
- Individuals managing intravenous lines at home should only use wipes as instructed by medical professionals.
- Discontinue use of non-sterile alcohol-free wipes for wound care or IV line cleaning.
Symptoms to watch for include:
- Wound infections: redness, swelling, pain, warmth, pus, or drainage.
- IV line infections: redness, swelling, pain at insertion site, fever, chills.
Dr James Elston, Consultant in Epidemiology and Public Health at UKHSA, stated:
“While the overall risk to the public remains very low, it is essential that non-sterile alcohol-free wipes are not used on broken skin or intravenous lines. We are working swiftly with the MHRA, NHS, and partners to mitigate the risk.”
Dr Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at MHRA, added:
“Wipes intended for medical purposes must comply with strict regulations. These products do not have a medicines authorisation, and we are taking appropriate action. Consumers are advised to check the label and ensure they only use wipes marked as ‘sterile’ for wound care.”
MHRA Enforcement and Retail Withdrawal
The MHRA is actively working with manufacturers and distributors to halt sales and supply of the affected products. Health professionals have been issued a national patient safety alert to reinforce infection prevention guidance.
What Should Consumers Do?
If you have any of the listed wipes at home:
- Do not use them.
- Dispose of them safely in household waste.
- Monitor for infection symptoms if you’ve used them recently.
- Contact a healthcare professional if concerned.
For the treatment of cuts and grazes, UKHSA reminds the public to follow NHS wound care guidance.
