Safety Alert: Four Alcohol-Free Wipes Linked to Infection Risk

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) urge the public and businesses not to use four non-sterile alcohol-free wipe products due to infection risk.

These wipes have been linked to contamination with Burkholderia stabilis, a bacterium that can cause infection in vulnerable individuals.

The risk to the general public is very low, but everyone should check for affected products and dispose of them.

Wipes Included in the Safety Alert

The following products have been identified as contaminated during investigations and should not be used under any circumstances:

• ValueAid Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes
• Microsafe Moist Wipe Alcohol Free
• Steroplast Sterowipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes
• Reliwipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes

(Testing found contamination with a Burkholderia strain not linked to the main outbreak.)

Although withdrawn from sale, these products may still be in workplace first-aid kits or homes.

If you find these wipes, stop using them and discard them in household waste.

You can read the full government guidance here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/public-advised-to-stop-using-certain-non-sterile-alcohol-free-wipes

Why This Matters

Between January 2018 and February 2026, 59 confirmed cases of Burkholderia stabilis infection linked to contaminated non-sterile wipes have been reported in the UK. Some cases required hospital treatment, and one death has been associated with the infection.

Burkholderia stabilis is commonly found in natural environments and rarely causes illness in healthy people. However, individuals who are immunocompromised, living with cystic fibrosis, or using intravenous lines are at higher risk of infection.

No person-to-person transmission has been identified.

Important First Aid Guidance

UKHSA and MHRA remind the public that non-sterile alcohol-free wipes are unsuitable for first aid.

They should not be used:

• On wounds, cuts or broken skin
• For treating injuries
• For cleaning intravenous lines

Only wipes labelled “sterile” should be used on broken skin or for wound care.

What Employers Should Do

Employers should review their workplace first aid kits and take a few simple steps:

• Check first aid supplies for the wipes listed above.
• Remove and dispose of affected products.
• Ensure replacement wipes are clearly labelled as sterile if intended for wound care.
• Confirm first aid kits are regularly checked and maintained.

Begin reviewing your first aid arrangements now to ensure all equipment remains safe, compliant and effective.

How Stallard Kane Can Help

Regularly reviewing workplace first aid provision is an important part of maintaining a safe working environment.

If you would like support reviewing your first aid arrangements, health and safety procedures, or training requirements, our team is here to help.

Health and Safety
healthandsafety@skaltd.co.uk
01427 420 403

Training
training@skaltd.co.uk
01427 420 405