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Important Notice: Sterile Saline Wipes

Recent news reports have highlighted 59 confirmed cases of Burkholderia stabilis linked to the misuse of certain non-sterile, alcohol-free wipes in the United Kingdom between January 2018 and 3 February 2026.

Burkholderia stabilis is a bacterium commonly found in the natural environment. It rarely causes infection in healthy individuals and the overall risk to the general public remains very low. Those at greater risk include people with weakened immune systems, individuals with cystic fibrosis, and patients using intravenous lines at home. There has been no evidence of person-to-person transmission.

Our position

Steroplast removed all potentially affected non-sterile wipes from sale in July 2025. We now supply sterile wipes only, in line with current guidance.

All Steroplast first aid kits contain sterile wipes exclusively.

Checking existing stock

There is a possibility that older, non-sterile wipes sold before July 2025 may still be in circulation or have been placed into first aid kits.

We recommend that members of the public and healthcare professionals check their first aid and medical supplies, including first aid kits, to ensure that any wipes intended for use on broken skin are clearly marked ‘sterile’.

When should wipes be sterile?

Only wipes labelled ‘sterile’ should be used on broken skin, including:

  • Open wounds

  • Cuts and scratches

  • Areas where blood is visible

If you have wipes that are not clearly marked ‘sterile’ and you have been using them for this purpose, stop using them immediately and dispose of them in normal household waste.

If you have previously used non-sterile wipes without any issues, no further action is required.

If your wipes are clearly marked ‘sterile’, even if the brand name has appeared in recent media coverage, you do not need to take any further action.

Further information

For additional details about this issue, including information on Burkholderia stabilis and current public health advice, please refer to the latest updates from UK health authorities.