The UK Health Security Agency issues an urgent notice about using certain types of products after they were found to have been contaminated
Liam Buckler Senior News Reporter and Ravi Meah
12:32, 05 Aug 2025
Three brands were claimed to have the bacteria Burkholderia stabilis (stock image)(Image: The Good Brigade via Getty Images)
The Government has urged people to avoid using three brands of wet wipes due to a contamination outbreak. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued a warning against the use of certain non-sterile alcohol-free wipes, claiming they were contaminated with Burkholderia stabilise.
The three affected products are ValueAid Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes, Microsafe Moist Wipe Alcohol Free and Steroplast Sterowipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes. Anyone who has these products have been told to dispose of them immediately.
According to officials, there were 51 confirmed cases in an outbreak of B. stabilis in the UK between 2018 and 2025 but there were no deaths. The government agency said: “These products which may have been used for ‘skin cleansing’ and cleaning in or around wounds have been withdrawn from sale but may still be found in some first aid kits and in people’s homes.
“These products are not routinely used in the NHS. If you have these products (listed above), you are advised not to use them and to dispose of them in your household waste as a precautionary measure given the potential for contamination.”
The virus causes serious infection to those with cystic fibrosis and weak immune systems (stock image)(Image: Richard Drury via Getty Images)
Dr James Elston, the UKHSA’s consultant in epidemiology and public health, said: “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. 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.
“UKHSA uncovered the link to this outbreak through testing of wipes used by patients and worked quickly to notify health professionals through a patient safety alert, reinforcing existing infection prevention and control guidance. When treating cuts and grazes, it is important to follow NHS advice.”
The public are being reminded that “non-sterile alcohol-free wipes should not be used for the treatment of injuries, wounds or on broken skin, nor should they be used for cleaning intravenous lines, as they are not appropriate for these purposes and their safety cannot be guaranteed”, reports the Mirror.
What is Burkholderia stabilis?
Burkholderia stabilis, according to the UKHSA, is a bacteria that is part of the wide Burkholderia cepacia (Bcc) family. This is group of bacteria is found within the environment and naturally resistant to most antibiotics. They rarely cause infection, but those with weakened immune systems and cystic fibrosis will be susceptible to severe infections.
Dr Alison Cave, the MHRA’s chief safety officer, said: “We consider wipes which are intended for a medical purpose to be medicines. 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.
“If you have these wipes at home or in a first aid kit, please check the label and only use wipes marked as ‘sterile’ on broken skin. Healthcare professionals are advised to follow instructions and information provided in the national patient safety alert from UKHSA.
“Anyone who has used alcohol-free wipes and has concerns about potential infection is advised to speak with a healthcare professional.”