WASHINGTON – Getting a tattoo can really leave a mark, but maybe not a good one.
The Food and Drug Administration is recalling several tattoo inks because they contain microorganisms.
The following tattoo inks have been recalled because they are contaminated with microorganisms:
Scalpaink basic black tattoo inks manufactured by Scalp Aesthetics (all lots), Dynamic Color – black tattoo ink manufactured by Dynamic Color Inc (lots 12024090 and 12026090) and Solid Ink-Diablo (red) tattoo ink manufactured by Color Art Inc. (dba Solid Ink) (dba Antone’s Ink) (lot 10.19.18) Purpose
The FDA is alerting consumers, tattoo artists, and retailers of the potential for serious injury from use of tattoo inks that are contaminated with bacteria. Tattoo inks contaminated with microorganisms can cause infections and lead to serious health injuries when injected into the skin during a tattooing procedure, since there is an increased risk of infection any time the skin barrier is broken.
Commonly reported symptoms of tattoo-ink-associated infections include the appearance of rashes or lesions consisting of red papules in areas where the contaminated ink has been applied. Some tattoo infections can result in permanent scarring. Indications of an infection can be difficult to recognize as other conditions (e.g., allergic reactions) may initially have similar signs and symptoms, leading to misdiagnosis and ineffective treatments.
The FDA has become aware of contaminated tattoo inks through its inspections of distributors and manufacturers, routine surveys of marketed tattoo inks, and subsequent microbiological analysis of sampled tattoo inks. The FDA has identified 6 tattoo inks contaminated with bacteria harmful to human health.
Consumers are recommended to ask the tattoo artist or studio about the tattoo inks they use and avoid the tattoo inks listed above, due to risk of infection and injury.
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