The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) advised the public on 4 August 2025 to stop using certain non-sterile alcohol-free wipes and to dispose of them, after outbreak investigations found four products contaminated with Burkholderia1. The agencies said the products should not be used under any circumstances because of an ongoing risk of infection1.
The four products named are ValueAid Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes, Microsafe Moist Wipe Alcohol Free, Steroplast Sterowipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes and Reliwipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes1. Testing found Reliwipe contaminated with a Burkholderia strain not related to the outbreak cases1. The MHRA issued notices to the sellers of these products in July, resulting in their withdrawal from sale, but the agencies said some may still remain in first aid kits and in people's homes1.
The page carries two sets of case figures. The 4 August 2025 notice reported 51 confirmed cases in an outbreak of Burkholderia stabilis in the United Kingdom between 2018 and 2025, then suspected to be associated with some non-sterile alcohol-free wipe products, with no deaths linked to the outbreak at that point1. The updated text, last revised on 5 February 2026, reports 59 confirmed cases identified in an outbreak from January 2018 to 3 February 2026, a small number of cases continuing to be detected, some serious infections requiring hospital treatment, and 1 death attributed to Burkholderia stabilis infection1.
Burkholderia stabilis is a bacteria found in natural environments that rarely causes infection in healthy individuals, and the risk to the general population is very low, the agencies said1. Immunocompromised individuals, those with other risk factors such as cystic fibrosis, and patients at home with intravenous lines are at higher risk of developing infection1. No person-to-person transmission has been identified1.
"Non-sterile alcohol-free wipes, of any type or brand, should not be used for the treatment of injuries, wounds, or broken skin; and they should never be used to clean intravenous lines."
The UKHSA advice on skin cleansing wipes, as published, is set out below1.
| Advice | Detail |
|---|---|
| On broken skin | Only use wipes marked as "sterile" on wounds, scratches, or where blood is visible |
| In first aid kits | Keep only wipes marked "sterile", with undamaged packaging and in date; dispose of any with damaged packaging or past their expiry date |
| Intravenous lines at home | Use wipes on the line only if and as instructed by your medical team |
| Affected products | Stop using them immediately and dispose of them in standard household waste |
Why it matters for households
The affected wipes were sold for skin cleansing and for cleaning in or around wounds, and are not routinely used in the NHS1. Because they may still sit in first aid kits and cupboards, the agencies asked members of the public to check for these wipes at home, including in first aid kits1. Anyone who has used alcohol-free wipes and has concerns about potential infection is advised to speak with a healthcare professional1. The agencies said people do not have to visit a healthcare professional after using non-sterile alcohol-free wipes unless they have symptoms of a wound infection, such as redness, swelling, increased pain, warmth around the wound or break in skin, and pus or other drainage, or symptoms of infection involving an intravenous line, such as redness, swelling or pain around the insertion site and or fever and chills1. People with an intravenous line, or with cystic fibrosis, who are concerned about their wellbeing or have questions about their care are advised to contact their medical team1. The MHRA's Chief Safety Officer, Dr Alison Cave, said anyone with wipes at home or work should double check they are labelled "sterile" before use on broken skin, and should follow the advice of their clinical team, GP or community nurse in the care of an intravenous line1. The agencies also pointed to NHS guidance on treating cuts and grazes1. The UKHSA's alerts and outbreak advice sit within the site's wider health emergencies coverage.
What happens next
UKHSA issued a safety alert to health professionals in June 2025 and reiterated the advice on 4 August 20251. The MHRA said it had issued notices to sellers in July, resulting in withdrawal from sale, and that it was taking action to ensure compliance with the legislation it governs, treating wipes intended for a medical purpose as medicines; the products do not have a medicines authorisation1. The agencies said a small number of cases continue to be detected1.
UK Health Security Agency
