News Releases
FDA Advises Consumers, Tattoo Artists, and Retailers to Avoid Using or Selling Certain Sacred Tattoo Ink Products Contaminated with Microorganisms
Date Posted: May 7, 2025
Description: The FDA has identified the following tattoo inks contaminated with bacterial harmful to human health:
- 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 Nov 1, 2027
Complete Details: FDA Advises Consumers, Tattoo Artists, and Retailers to Avoid Using or Selling Certain Sacred Tattoo Ink Products Contaminated with Microorganisms
Voluntary Recall Sierra Stain Recalls Tattoo Pigments Because of Possible Health Risk
FDA Publish Date: August 24, 2024
Description: Sierra Stain LLC of Carson City, Nevada is recalling 3 water-based tattoo pigments, because they are contaminated with high concentrations of microorganisms which present a health concern to consumers.
- Carolina Blue
- All Purpose Black
- UV China Pink
In September 2019, the FDA 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 Warns Tattoo Artists and Consumers Not to Use Certain Tattoo Inks
Date Posted: August 6, 2015
Description: Tattoo artists and consumers should not use tattoo inks marketed and distributed by A Thousand Virgins, in grey wash shades labeled G1, G2, and G3 (Lot #129 exp 1/16).
Complete Details: FDA Warns Tattoo Artists and Consumers Not to Use Certain Tattoo InksThis information was updated June 2023.
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.
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