Sacred Tattoo Ink recalled due to Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Contamination, USA

United States

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, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The affected products were distributed across the US.

Tattoo inks contaminated with pathogenic 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.

The impacted products are:
- Sacred Tattoo Ink, Raven Black – CI# 77266, Lot# RB0624, Best Before: June 28, 2027
- Sacred Tattoo Ink, Sunny Daze – CI# 21095, Lot# SD1124, Best Before: November 1, 2027

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 routine surveys of marketed tattoo inks and subsequent microbiological analysis of sampled tattoo inks. The FDA has identified 2 tattoo inks contaminated with bacteria harmful to human health through samples collected as part of routine surveillance activities.

Recommendations for Consumers: Ask the tattoo artist or studio about the tattoo inks they use and avoid the tattoo inks listed above, due to the risk of infection and injury.

Recommendations for Tattoo Artists and Retailers: Avoid using or selling the tattoo inks mentioned above, due to the risk of infection and injury.