Tattoo ink sold all over the country being recalled for containing microorganisms

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Late Friday, Aug. 24, Sierra Stain LLC of Carson City, Nevada announced that it is recalling three water-based tattoo pigments, because they are contaminated with high concentrations of microorganisms which present "a health concern to consumers."

"Commonly reported symptoms of tattoo ink associated infections include the appearance of rashes or lesions consisting of red papules solely in areas where the contaminated ink has been applied," the recall document states. "Some tattoo infections can result in permanent scarring. Symptoms can be difficult to recognize, as other conditions (e.g. allergic reactions) may also present with similar findings."

The United States Food and Drug Administration says the products are packaged in plastic rounded bullet shape P.E.T ((polyethylene terephthalate) bottles with black screw top and were distributed to all 50 states through Amazon.

As of Monday, Aug. 26, no illnesses have been reported.

"The recall was initiated after the recalling firm became aware of the results of the samples collected and analyzed by FDA, which tested positive for multiple microorganisms," the FDA said. "Tattoo artists and retailers should avoid using or selling the recalled tattoo inks and dispose product in a sharps container or a similar biohazard container."

The FDA says Bloodline Inks and Sierra Stain LLC are no longer in business and no longer manufacturing tattoo ink products, but questions can be addressed to [email protected].