Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Texas Executive Orders & Public Health Disaster Declaration

On March 31, 2020, Gov. Greg Abbott issued an Executive Order implementing Essential Services and Activities Protocols. The protocols renew the governor's directive to avoid eating or drinking inside at bars, restaurants and food courts, although use of drive-thru, pickup and delivery for food is encouraged. The order prohibits visiting gyms or massage establishments, and expands to include tattoo studios, piercing studios and cosmetology salons. It also extends social distancing measures to April 30, 2020, and schools will remain closed to in-person classroom attendance through May 4, 2020.

In September 2019, theFDA sent out warning letters to the following cosmetics manufacturers concerning contaminated tattoo inks:

• Intenze Products Inc.  
  Intenze Advanced Tattoo Ink - True Black
  Intenze - Raw Umber Light
   
• Color Art, Inc. DBA Solid Ink 
  Solid Ink - Super Red
  Solid Ink - Matte Black
  Solid Ink - White
  Solid Ink - Yellow
  Solid Ink - Orange
  Solid Ink - Olive
  Solid Ink - Deep Red
  Solid Ink - Diablo
• Dynamic Color Inc. 
  DynamicColor WD1 (White)
  DynamicColor BLK (Black)

For complete details, click the links above to view each Warning Letter issued. 

FDA Advises Consumers, Tattoo Artists, and Retailers to Avoid Using or Selling Certain Tattoo Inks Contaminated with Microorganisms  

Date Posted: May 15, 2019

Description: The following tattoo inks have been recalled because they are contaminated with 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)

Complete Details: FDA Advises Consumers, Tattoo Artists, and Retailers to Avoid Using or Selling Certain Tattoo Inks Contaminated with Microorganisms 

FDA WarnsTattoo Artists and Consumers Not to Use Certain Tattoo Inks 

Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Tattoo Ink, Tattoo Needles, Tattoo Kits due to Microbial contamination

Date Posted: July 15, 2014
Description: White & Blue Lion, Inc. is recalling all lots of tattoo Inks and tattoo needles due to contamination.
Complete Details: FDA - Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Tattoo Ink, Tattoo Needles, Tattoo Kits Due to Microbial Contamination

Risk of Infection from Contaminated Tattoo Inks

Date Posted: August 23, 2012
Description: Some tattoo inks can become contaminated by bacteria, mold, and fungus.
Complete Details: FDA - Risk of Infection from Contaminated Tattoo Inks

CDC and FDA Investigation of Infections Associated with Tattooing

Date Posted: March 7, 2012

Dear Tattoo Studio Operator:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating a cluster of skin infections among persons who received tattoos from May 2011 through February 2012. These particular infections usually appear between 1–3 weeks after tattooing. To date, all reported infections have involved clients who have received new tattoos with a commercially available tattoo ink.

If you have a client who reports having a skin infection after receiving a tattoo within the last 10 months (after April 2011), please ask that person to report it to their local health department and see a doctor for diagnosis of the organism causing the infection. Additionally, you are reminded that all tattoo studios must provide a written report to the Texas Department of State Health Services, Drugs and Medical Devices Group (DMDG), of any infection and/or allergic reaction resulting from the application of a tattoo. For instructions on reporting an infection or allergic reaction to DMDG, please refer to the Report of Infection or Allergic Reaction by a Tattoo or Body Piercing Studio (revised form DMDG – 118).

If you have questions or require additional assistance regarding this notice, please contact us by phone at (512) 834-6711 or visit the DMDG website. Your cooperation in this investigation is very important for the protection of your clients. Thanks for your help.

Megan Snyder, Manager
Drugs and Medical Devices Group
Policy, Standards and Quality Assurance Unit
Consumer Protection Division 
Texas Department of State Health Services