Britain's health protection authority has issued an urgent alert concerning three contaminated wet wipe products that pose infection risks to consumers.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) instructed members of the public to immediately "stop using" the affected "non-sterile alcohol-free wipes and to dispose of them".
"During investigation of an outbreak, certain wipes were found to be contaminated with Burkholderia stabilis," the health body said in a statement.
Three brands have been identified as problematic:
- ValueAid Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes
- Microsafe Moist Wipe Alcohol Free
- Steroplast Sterowipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes
Officials emphasised that anyone possessing these products should throw them away with their regular household rubbish as a safety precaution.
Britons have been urged to throw the products away
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The contamination discovery has prompted immediate action from health authorities.
The health agency revealed that whilst these items have been removed from retail shelves, they could remain in household first aid supplies and medicine cabinets across the country.
According to UKHSA, "These products, which may have been used for 'skin cleansing' and cleaning in or around wounds, have been withdrawn from sale but may still be found in some first aid kits and in people's homes."
It was also noted that NHS facilities do not typically utilise these particular products in their operations.
The contaminated wipes were marketed for skin cleansing purposes before their withdrawal from commercial distribution.
Health officials have issued additional guidance regarding the appropriate use of similar products to prevent future safety incidents.
The UKHSA stressed that "non-sterile alcohol-free wipes should not be used for the treatment of injuries, wounds or on broken skin, nor should they be used for cleaning intravenous lines, as they are not appropriate for these purposes and their safety cannot be guaranteed".
This broader warning extends beyond the three contaminated brands to encompass all non-sterile wipes lacking alcohol content.
The agency's statement underscores the importance of using only properly sterilised medical products for wound care and medical equipment cleaning.
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Non-sterile alcohol-free wipes should not be used for the treatment of injuries
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Dr James Elston, Consultant in Epidemiology and Public Health at UKHSA, said: "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.
"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."
What is Burkholderia stabilis?
According to the UKHSA, Burkholderia stabilis is a bacteria found in natural environments, rarely causing infection in healthy individuals, and the risk to the general population is very low.
However, immunocompromised individuals, and individuals with other risk factors such as cystic fibrosis, or patients at home with intravenous lines, are at higher risk of developing infection.