UKHSA - Public advised to stop using certain non-sterile alcohol-free wipes

Other

UK Health security Agency (UKHSA) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have published a joint release advising the public to stop using certain non-sterile alcohol-free wipes.

During investigation of an outbreak, certain wipes were found to be contaminated with Burkholderia stabilis.

The following products have been found to be affected:

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

In addition, testing also revealed contamination of Reliwipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes, although the contamination was deemed to be with a Burkholderia strain not related to the outbreak cases.

If you have any of these products, 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.

While the overall risk to the public remains very low, 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.