Antiseptic wipes found in first aid supplies are being recalled over fears they may trigger life-threatening infections.
Medical giant Cardinal Health has raised the alarm over nearly 400 lots of its widely-used Webcol Large Alcohol Prep Pads, which contain 70 percent isopropyl alcohol.
Tests revealed the wipes may be contaminated with Paenibacillus phoenicis, a hard-to-kill bacteria that is resistant to most cleaning agents with the potential to trigger a deadly blood infection.
Health officials warn there is a ‘reasonable probability’ that the contaminated wipes could lead to infections that spread through the body, including the nerves.
Those most at risk include people with weakened immune systems, such as patients receiving chemotherapy or who have poorly controlled diabetes.
The wipes are often used to clean and disinfect skin before an injection or blood draw.
The affected products were distributed across the US, Puerto Rico and Japan. They were sold between September 2025 and February 2026.
Consumers are being urged to check their first aid supplies and to throw out any of the recalled wipes immediately.
Cardinal Health has issued the recall for its antiseptic wipes that may be used in First Aid kits (stock image)
Shown above is a picture of the antiseptic wipes that are subject to the recall (file photo)
Anyone who is concerned they may have suffered from an infection is being urged to contact their local health provider.
It was not clear whether the wipes had led to any infections, hospitalizations or deaths.
It was also not clear how the potential contamination was detected, but in previous cases, this has been linked to problems with the manufacturing process.
In the recall notice, the FDA warned: ‘There is a reasonable probability that use of the contaminated pads may result in local and systemic infections in at-risk populations.
‘[This includes] patients with impaired immune response, including patients receiving cancer chemotherapy or poorly controlled diabetes.
‘[Patients] may develop life-threatening infections such as bacteremia or central nervous system infections.’
Cardinal Health has published a list of the affected lot codes on its website.
P. phoenicis is a bacteria strain that is resistant to multiple cleaning products and UV radiation.
It is generally harmless to healthy humans, but can cause a life-threatening infection in those who have weaker immune systems.
