The FDA is issuing a warning to anyone who has gotten a tattoo recently after it was discovered a popular brand of tattoo ink was contaminated with dangerous microorganisms.
The federal agency announced Sierra Stain LLC of Carson City, Nevada was recalling three water-based tattoo pigments because they tested positive for eight microorganisms that ‘present a health concern to consumers.’
The ink was distributed through Amazon to shops and consumers in all 50 states.
The above photo shows one of the recalled tattoo ink products
The above photo shows another one of the recalled tattoo ink products
The above photo shows another one of the recalled tattoo ink products
The FDA initiated the recall after it tested product samples from Sierra Stain, LLC, a company no longer in business.
Among the recalled products are Bloodline 0.5oz Carolina Blue water-based tattoo pigments; Bloodline 1oz All Purpose Black water-based tattoo pigments; and Bloodline 0.5oz UV China pink water-based tattoo pigment.
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 been reported to the FDA yet, but the agency warned symptoms of infections may be hard to recognize and similar to those of an allergic reaction, such as a rash or hives.
But infection with these microorganisms can result in serious illness and permanent scarring or health complications.
Most of the microorganisms detected in the tattoo ink are bacteria found in soil, water and wet environments.
Because the recalled products are water-based, they may have become contaminated because the water used to manufacture them was contaminated but not tested or treated.
The bacteria may also be present in human waste, fluids and medical devices.
Infections with the bacteria are rare, but can cause serious and deadly illness.
Among the contaminants is pseudomonas fluorescens, which causes fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, vomiting and confusion.
It can also lead to pneumonia.
Citrobacter braakii was also detected in the recalled tattoo ink, which can cause sepsis and lead to death.
Achromobacter xylosoxidans can lead to bronchitis and respiratory inflammation, as well as sepsis and inflammation of the heart.
The microorganism ochrobactrum anthropi can cause vomiting, diarrhea, severe pain, inflammation of the heart, meningitis and abscesses.
And curtobacterium citreum/pusillum also causes sepsis, skin lesions and liver abscesses, which could be deadly.
The agency recommends tattoo artists and retailers avoid using or selling the recalled tattoo inks and throw them away immediately.
The FDA is also urging people to avoid at-home or DIY tattoos as these could have a higher risk of infection.
The advisory said: ‘Tattoo artists should be working in a professional environment such as a Tattoo Shop, as tattooing from home carries high risk of contamination in unsanitary conditions.
‘Tattoo inks alone may not be the sole cause of adverse reactions, if not applied in a safe environment by professionals.’
