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 instructed members of the public to immediately stop using and discard specific alcohol-free cleansing wipes after discovering contamination issues.
Three brands have been identified as problematic: ValueAid Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes, Microsafe Moist Wipe Alcohol Free, and 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.
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|Britons have been urged to throw the products away
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to UKHSA, "These products, which may have been used for 'skin cleansing' and cleaning in or around wounds, have been withdrawn from sale but may still be found in some first aid kits and in people's homes."
The authority confirmed 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.
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|Non-sterile alcohol-free wipes should not be used for the treatment of injuries
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.