The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have issued a safety reminder advising that four specified non‑sterile alcohol‑free wipe products must not be used under any circumstances.
These products have been linked to an ongoing risk of Burkholderia stabilis infection, and continued use may pose a serious risk to health. There have been 59 confirmed cases of Burkholderia stabilis linked to these products, identified through a UK outbreak spanning January 2018 to 3 February 2026. A small number of cases continue to be detected. Several cases involved serious infections requiring hospital treatment, and one death has been attributed to Burkholderia stabilis infection.
These four products 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 revealed contamination with a Burkholderia strain not related to the
outbreak cases)
Key Actions Required
- Immediately stop using the affected alcohol‑free wipe products if they are present in your workplace, service, or care setting.
- Remove and isolate any remaining stock to prevent accidental use.
- Do not use the products for skin cleansing, medical procedures, wound care, or environmental cleaning.
- Follow local procedures for safe disposal or return of affected products once further instructions are issued.
- Report immediately to your manager or infection control lead if you believe an affected product has been used.
What to Use Instead
- Use only approved, sterile or appropriately validated alternatives that meet current infection prevention and control requirements.
- Ensure replacement products are sourced through approved suppliers and are used in line with manufacturer instructions and local guidance.
Further Information
This guidance will be updated if additional information, product details, or disposal instructions are issued by UKHSA or MHRA.
If you are unsure whether a product is affected, do not use it and seek advice before proceeding.
For further information on non-sterile alcohol-free wipes from UKHSA click here