Warning for recent tattoo seekers as FDA recalls ink sold nationwide because it contains deadly bacteria

The FDA is warning anyone who has recently gotten a tattoo after a popular brand of tattoo ink was discovered to be contaminated with dangerous microorganisms.

The federal agency announced that Sierra Stain LLC of Carson City, Nevada, was recalling three water-based tattoo pigments because they tested positive for eight microorganisms that “pose a health risk to consumers.”

The ink was distributed through Amazon to stores and consumers in all 50 states.

The photo above shows another of the recalled tattoo ink products

The photo above shows another of the recalled tattoo ink products

The FDA initiated the recall after testing product samples from Sierra Stain, LLC, a company that no longer exists.

The recalled products include Bloodline 0.5oz Carolina Blue water-based tattoo pigments; Bloodline 1oz All Purpose Black water-based tattoo pigments; and Bloodline 0.5oz UV China Rose water-based tattoo pigment.

The blue and black products were produced in July 2023 and will expire in July 2026. The pink ink was produced in June 2023 and will expire in June 2026.

No illnesses have been reported to the FDA yet, but the agency warned that symptoms of an infection may be difficult to recognize and may resemble those of an allergic reaction, such as a rash or hives.

But infection with these microorganisms can lead to serious illnesses and permanent scars or health problems.

Most of the microorganisms found in tattoo ink are bacteria found in soil, water, and moist environments.

Because the recalled products are water-based, it is possible that they may have been contaminated because the water used in production was contaminated but not tested or treated.

The bacteria can also be present in human waste, fluids, and medical devices.

Infections with the bacteria are rare, but can cause serious and fatal illnesses.

One of the contaminants is pseudomonas fluorescens, which causes fever, chills, a rapid heart rate, vomiting and confusion.

It can also lead to pneumonia.

The recalled tattoo ink was also found to contain Citrobacter braakii, a bacteria that can cause sepsis and death.

Achromobacter xylosoxidans can cause bronchitis and respiratory tract infections, but also sepsis and heart infections.

The microorganism ochrobactrum anthropi can cause vomiting, diarrhea, severe pain, heart inflammation, meningitis and abscesses.

And curtobacterium citreum/pusillum also causes sepsis, skin lesions and liver abscesses, which can be fatal.

The agency is advising tattoo artists and vendors not to use or sell the recalled tattoo ink and to dispose of it immediately.

The FDA also advises people not to get tattoos at home or by themselves, as they carry a greater risk of infection.

The advice was: ‘Tattoo artists should work in a professional environment, such as a tattoo shop, as tattooing at home carries a high risk of infection and unsanitary conditions.

‘Tattoo ink may not be the only cause of side effects if not applied safely by professionals.’