In a startling revelation, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned that certain tattoo inks sold on Amazon are teeming with a wide variety of bacteria. These bacteria, when injected into the skin, can lead to inflammatory reactions, allergic hypersensitivity, toxic responses, and infections. Alarmingly, the labels claiming the inks to be sterile are not trustworthy.  

 A recent recall of three tattoo pigments from the same manufacturer underscores the FDA's concerns. The water-based inks from Sierra Stain were found to have high levels of unusual bacteria, according to FDA testing. The 'Carolina Blue' ink, for instance, contained six strange species of bacteria, including a bacterium that resides in the gastrointestinal system and can inflame the intestinal lining (Citrobacter braakii), a water-borne bacterium (Cupriavidus pauculus), and several that cause opportunistic infections (Citrobacter farmer, Achromobacter xylosoxidans, Ochrobactrum anthropi, and Pseudomonas fluorescens). These bacteria typically do not attack humans but will if the conditions are right, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems.  

An ink called 'UV China Pink' contained an unusual soil bacterium (Curtobacterium citreum/pusillum), while an 'All Purpose Black' ink surprisingly contained Acetobacter senegalensis, a bacterium first isolated from mangos in Senegal and used for industrial vinegar production in low-income countries.  

These inks were sold nationwide through Amazon, and although there have been no reported infections or adverse reactions linked to these inks, the FDA notes that reactions to contaminated inks can be challenging to diagnose accurately. Infections from tattoo ink can result in permanent scarring.  

In a study published in July in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, FDA researchers tested 75 samples of tattoo and permanent makeup inks from 14 manufacturers. Of the 75 inks, 26 (35 percent) were contaminated with a total of 34 types of bacteria, many of which were potentially disease-causing. Some of the bacteria were anaerobic, suggesting they could thrive in the low-oxygen environment of skin layers. Of the 40 tattoo inks specifically, nine (22 percent) were contaminated. Among all the ink samples, 49 were labeled 'sterile,' and of those, 16 (33 percent) were contaminated.  

The recall announcement noted that Sierra Stain is no longer in business.  

While the company lists a remaining email address, it did not immediately respond to a comment request from Ars on the bacteria found in their inks.  

The FDA advises consumers to be cautious about the quality and safety of tattoo supplies and techniques. It also encourages tattoo artists to operate in professional environments that can minimize professional environments that can minimize environments that can minimize

Shocking Discovery: Tattoo Inks on Amazon Contain Harmful Bacteria

Actions