Tattoo ink sold on Amazon poses bacteria threat
On August 24, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a recall after discovering that Sierra Stain tattoo ink sold on Amazon contained bacteria that could cause infections.
Sierra Stain Recalls Tattoo Pigments Because of Possible Health Risk | FDA
Tattoo ink sold on Amazon has high levels of weird and rare bacteria | Ars Technica
The FDA has warned for years that some tattoo inks contain bacteria that can cause irritation, allergic reactions, toxic reactions and infections when injected into the skin.
In addition, in a July 2024 study , FDA researchers analyzed 75 tattoo inks and permanent makeup inks sold by 14 manufacturers and found that 26 of the 75 were contaminated with a total of 34 types of bacteria. Of the 75 samples, 49 were sold as 'sterile,' but in fact 16 were contaminated with bacteria.
The FDA announced that it would recall three types of tattoo inks manufactured by Sierra Stain on August 24, 2024. The affected products are 'Bloodline 1/2oz/15mL CAROLINA BLUE', 'Bloodline 1oz/30mL ALL PURPOSE BLACK', and 'Bloodline 1/2oz/15mL UV CHINA PINK', which are distributed throughout the United States through Amazon. According to the FDA, these products have been found to contain bacteria such as Citrobacter braakii and Cupriavidus pauculus , which can act on the intestinal mucosa and cause inflammation, as well as Citrobacter farmer , Achromobacter xylosoxidans , Ochrobactrum anthropi , and Pseudomonas fluorescens , which cause opportunistic infections .
In addition, the rare soil bacterium Curtobacterium citreum has been found in the 'Bloodline 1/2oz/15mL UV CHINA PINK', and the bacterium Acetobacter senegalensis, which is used to produce industrial vinegar in low-income countries, has also been found in the 'Bloodline 1oz/30mL ALL PURPOSE BLACK'. In addition, Sierra Stain has already gone bankrupt and is not manufacturing new tattoo inks.
According to the FDA, no cases have been reported related to these inks. However, the FDA cautions that 'reactions to contaminated inks can be difficult to accurately diagnose, as infections and skin reactions may appear to be common rashes or allergic reactions. Tattoo artists and retailers should 'avoid using or selling the recalled tattoo inks and dispose of the products properly.'
The FDA further advised that 'consumers should be mindful of the safety of tattoo supplies and techniques, and tattoo artists should work in a professional environment to reduce the risk of contamination.'
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