Recent media coverage has raised understandable concerns about alcohol-free wipes and their use on broken or damaged skin. Health authorities have issued warnings following the discovery of bacterial contamination in specific non-sterile wipes that were being incorrectly used for wound care and first aid.
We want to be absolutely clear about what this means - and what it doesn’t
What has happened?
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have advised that non-sterile alcohol-free wipes should not be used on broken skin, wounds, or intravenous lines. A small number of products were found to be contaminated with Burkholderia stabilis, a bacteria that can cause infection in vulnerable individuals.
“An outbreak of the bacteria was identified in the UK from January 2018 to 3 February 2026, but a small number of cases continue to be detected - including some serious infections which have required hospital treatment and one death has been attributed to Burkholderia stabilis infection.”
These warnings relate to misuse of certain wipes for medical or first-aid purposes, not their intended role in everyday hygiene.
The following products were found to be contaminated with Burkholderia stabilis
- ValueAid Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes
- Microsafe Moist Wipe Alcohol Free
- Steroplast Sterowipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes
- Reliwipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes
Nilaqua Alcohol Free Sachet Wipes
We want to reassure everyone that Nilaqua Alcohol Free Sachet Wipes are safe to use, they are not contaminated with Burkholderia stabilis, comply with all testings and we never advocate wipes should be used in wounds. We actively monitor regulatory guidance and ensure our products are clearly labelled.
Nilaqua Alcohol Free Sachet Wipes
If you ever have questions about our products, our team is always happy to help. You can email our customer support at hello@waterlessltd.co.uk
