Contaminated tattoo inks recalled by FDA

In scary news for tattoo aficionados, the Food and Drug Administration announced the recall of six types of tattoo ink because they are contaminated with harmful bacteria.

The tattoo inks, which are crafted by a handful of manufacturers, are contaminated with microorganisms that may lead to serious injuries and an increased risk of infection because since the skin is necessarily broken during the procedure, the FDA said in a statement.

The most common symptoms of an infection caused by tattoo ink are angry red rashes or lesions consisting of papules near where the ink was placed, said the agency, which is working to remove the contaminated inks from the marketplace. Some infections may even leave permanent scarring, the FDA said.

The following tattoo inks are being voluntarily recalled because they are tainted with the potentially dangerous microorganisms:

Scalpaink SC, Scalpaink PA, and Scalpaink AL basic black tattoo inks manufactured by Scalp Aesthetics (all lots)
Dynamic Color – Black tattoo ink manufactured by Dynamic Color Inc  (lots 12024090 and 12026090)
Solid Ink-Diablo (red) tattoo ink manufactured by Color Art Inc. (dba Solid Ink) (dba Antone’s Ink) (lot 10.19.18)

Consumers who have experienced symptoms of infection after getting a tattoo should consult their doctor and inform their tattoo artist. Consumers should also consider reporting their injury to MedWatch: FDA’s Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.

To stay safe, FDA suggests consumers to ask tattoo artists or studios what ink they use before having a procedure. Studios are advised to no longer use the recalled inks.