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Urgent safety warning issued for three wet wipe brands

UKHSA advises discarding specific wet wipes linked to bacterial infections.

August 4, 2025 at 02:52 PM
blur UKHSA warn people not to use three wet wipe brands over infection outbreak

The UKHSA advises discarding specific wet wipes linked to a bacterial outbreak.

UKHSA warns against certain wet wipe brands over bacteria outbreak

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a warning about three brands of wet wipes following an outbreak of the bacteria Burkholderia stabilis. The agency reported 51 confirmed cases linked to these non-sterile, alcohol-free wipes between 2018 and 2025, some of which have required hospital care. The affected brands include ValueAid Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes, Microsafe Moist Wipe Alcohol Free, and Steroplast Sterowipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes. Officials cautioned against using these wipes for wounds or injuries, emphasizing that non-sterile options should never be applied to broken skin.

Key Takeaways

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Non-sterile wipes may harbor harmful bacteria.
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51 confirmed cases of Burkholderia stabilis reported.
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Health officials advise against using specific wet wipes for wounds.
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First aid products must be vetted for sterility.
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Public awareness of non-sterile products is crucial.
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Discard affected wipes to avoid infection risks.

"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."

Dr. James Elston emphasizes the importance of avoiding these wipes for wound treatment.

"We consider wipes which are intended for a medical purpose to be medicines."

Dr. Alison Cave highlights the regulatory issues surrounding these products.

This warning underlines a critical public health message regarding the safety of consumer hygiene products. While the public risk is described as low, the existence of serious infections indicates a need for vigilance. The healthcare sector must reinforce proper guidelines for treating wounds. The concern raised by the UKHSA signals a broader issue regarding product safety and regulatory compliance, particularly for items used in home health care.

Highlights

  • Know your wipes: safety first is the best practice.
  • Bacteria can hide in the unlikeliest of places.
  • Disposing of unsafe products prevents health risks.
  • Always choose sterile for your first aid kit.

Health risk from contaminated wet wipes

The warning regarding wet wipes linked to bacterial infections poses potential health risks. Public awareness is crucial in preventing outbreaks.

This incident reinforces the importance of choosing the right health products for personal safety.

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