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, 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 

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  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 Inks

  This information was updated June 2023.

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  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

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  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

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  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