The FDA is issuing a warning to anyone who has recently gotten a tattoo after a popular brand of tattoo ink was found to be contaminated with dangerous microorganisms.
The federal agency announced that Sierra Stain LLC of Carson City, Nevada, was recalling three water-based tattoo pigments because they tested positive for eight microorganisms that “pose a health concern to consumers.”
The ink was distributed through Amazon to stores and consumers in all 50 states.
The photo above shows one of the recalled tattoo ink products.
The photo above shows another of the recalled tattoo ink products.
The photo above shows another of the recalled tattoo ink products.
The FDA initiated the recall after testing product samples from Sierra Stain, LLC, a company no longer in business.
The recalled products include Bloodline Carolina Blue Water-Based Tattoo Pigment 0.5 oz; Bloodline All Purpose Black Water-Based Tattoo Pigment 1 oz; and Bloodline UV China Pink Water-Based Tattoo Pigment 0.5 oz.
The blue and black products were manufactured in July 2023 and expire in July 2026. The pink ink was manufactured in June 2023 and expires in June 2026.
No illnesses have yet been reported to the FDA, but the agency warned that symptoms of the infections can be difficult to recognize and similar to those of an allergic reaction, such as rash or hives.
But infection with these microorganisms can cause serious illness and permanent scarring or health complications.
Most of the microorganisms detected in tattoo ink are bacteria found in soil, water and humid environments.
Because the recalled products are water-based, they may have been contaminated because the water used to manufacture them was contaminated but was not tested or treated.
Bacteria can also be present in human waste, fluids, and medical devices.
Infections with the bacteria are rare, but can cause serious and fatal illnesses.
Contaminants include Pseudomonas fluorescens, which causes fever, chills, tachycardia, vomiting and confusion.
It can also cause pneumonia.
Citrobacter braakii, which can cause sepsis and lead to death, was also detected in the recalled tattoo ink.
Achromobacter xylosoxidans can cause bronchitis and respiratory inflammation, as well as sepsis and inflammation of the heart.
The microorganism ochrobactrum anthropi can cause vomiting, diarrhea, severe pain, heart inflammation, meningitis and abscesses.
In addition, Curtobacterium citreum/pusillum also causes sepsis, skin lesions and liver abscesses, which can be fatal.
The agency recommends that tattoo artists and retailers avoid using or selling the recalled tattoo inks and discard them immediately.
The FDA also urges people to avoid getting tattoos at home or doing them themselves, as they could carry a higher risk of infection.
The notice said: ‘Tattoo artists should work in a professional environment such as a tattoo parlour, as tattooing from home carries a high risk of contamination in unsanitary conditions.
‘Tattoo inks alone may not be the only cause of adverse reactions, if not applied in a safe environment and by professionals.’