UKHSA & MHRA – Safety Alert
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) are warning people not to use four types of non sterile, alcohol free wipes. These wipes may cause infection, so they should not be used in any situation.
Should I Be Worried?
Online information explains that Burkholderia stabilis is:
- A type of bacteria that lives naturally in the environment.
- Most people do not get ill from it, but it can cause infection in some cases, especially in people who are more vulnerable.
- It has not been a problem in baby wipes or wet wipes, but it has been found in some non sterile alcohol wipes.
- These wipes have been taken off sale, but some may still be in first aid kits or in people's homes.
- The wipes are not labelled as sterile.
- The risk of infection is very low, according to the gov.uk website.
For more details, you can read the UKHSA blog: What is Burkholderia stabilis, and why should I check my first aid kit? The blog explains who is most at risk, how someone might become infected, what symptoms to look out for, and how to avoid infection.
What Should I Do?
If you have any of the wipes shown in the pictures:
- Stop using them straight away.
- Throw them away with your normal household rubbish.
- Only use sterile wipes on broken skin, such as cuts, scratches, or anywhere you can see blood.
This helps stop germs from getting into the body and causing infections.