Tattoo ink sold all over the country being recalled for containing microorganisms

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Late Friday, Aug. 24, Sierra Stain LLC of Carson City, Nevada announced that it is recalling three water-based tattoo pigments, because they are contaminated with high concentrations of microorganisms which present "a health concern to consumers."

"Commonly reported symptoms of tattoo ink associated infections include the appearance of rashes or lesions consisting of red papules solely in areas where the contaminated ink has been applied," the recall document states. "Some tattoo infections can result in permanent scarring. Symptoms can be difficult to recognize, as other conditions (e.g. allergic reactions) may also present with similar findings."

Product LabelManufacturing CodesMicroorganisms Identified

Bloodline 1/2oz/15mL

CAROLINA BLUE

Batch #1 Lot BL23

Manufactured 07/01/23

Expires 07/01/26

  • Citrobacter braakii
  • Citrobacter farmer
  • Pseudomonas fluorescens
  • Achromobacter xylosoxidans
  • Ochrobactrum anthropic
  • Cupriavidus pauculus

Bloodline 1oz/30mL

ALL PURPOSE BLACK

Batch #1 Lot BL23

Manufactured 07/01/23

Expires 07/01/26

  • Acetobacter senegalensis

Bloodline 1/2oz/15mL

UV CHINA PINK

Batch #1 Lot SC23

Manufactured 06/23

Expires 06/26

  • Curtobacterium citreum/pusillum

The United States Food and Drug Administration says the products are packaged in plastic rounded bullet shape P.E.T ((polyethylene terephthalate) bottles with black screw top and were distributed to all 50 states through Amazon.

As of Monday, Aug. 26, no illnesses have been reported.

"The recall was initiated after the recalling firm became aware of the results of the samples collected and analyzed by FDA, which tested positive for multiple microorganisms," the FDA said. "Tattoo artists and retailers should avoid using or selling the recalled tattoo inks and dispose product in a sharps container or a similar biohazard container."

The FDA says Bloodline Inks and Sierra Stain LLC are no longer in business and no longer manufacturing tattoo ink products, but questions can be addressed to [email protected].

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