FDA warns about potential bacteria in tattoo ink

The FDA is warning tattoo artists and consumers not to use tattoo inks in grey wash shades marketed and distributed by A Thousand Virgins, as the agency has found bacterial contamination, including Mycobacterium chelonae, in unopened bottles.

On Aug. 4, the tattoo company recalled certain tattoo inks sold separately and in sets, but the FDA is concerned that artists and consumers are continuing to use the contaminated products from their stock, according to the update.

Artists who purchase the ink or consumers who seek tattooing are recommended to check that the ink bottles are not included in the recall.

In addition to Mycobacterium chelonae in the unopened ink, Microbacterium organisms were also found and the molds Cryptococcus albidus and members of the Penicillium genus.

The contaminated products bear a circular logo with the name of the manufacturer “A Thousand Virgins,” and centered within the circle are G1, G2 or G3, indicating the particular shade of grey wash ink. Bottles are marked as Lot #129 with an expiration of 1/16. The inks are sold in singles or sets of three or four bottles.

Source: www.fda.gov