FDA Warns of Multiple Tattoo Inks Contaminated with Microorganisms

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced it had become aware of contaminated tattoo inks through its FY2018-2019 inspections of distributors and manufacturers, routine surveys of marketed tattoo inks, and subsequent microbiological analysis of sampled tattoo inks.

The May announcement listed 6 tattoo inks that the FDA had reported as contaminated with bacteria harmful to human health. The inks were manufactured or distributed by 4 firms inspected under an ongoing agency assignment. All 6 tattoo inks have been listed in a recall.

“Tattoo inks contaminated with microorganisms can cause infections and lead to serious health injuries when injected into the skin during a tattooing procedure, since there is an increased risk of infection any time the skin barrier is broken,” stated FDA officials. “Commonly reported symptoms of tattoo-ink-associated infections include the appearance of rashes or lesions consisting of red papules in areas where the contaminated ink has been applied. Some tattoo infections can result in permanent scarring. Indications of an infection can be difficult to recognize as other conditions (e.g., allergic reactions) may initially have similar signs and symptoms, leading to misdiagnosis and ineffective treatments.”

MPL Laboratory’s dedicated FDA registered and DEA licensed facility offers cGMP and ISO 17025 compliant sterility and microbiology testing of cosmetics, homeopathic products, pharmaceuticals, supplements, personal care products and other goods. The laboratory is staffed with renowned scientists that have access to advanced instrumentation that allows them to rapidly identify issues in the manufacturing process or the actual product that could cause sterility or other product quality issues.

To learn more about this or other cosmetic, food, beverage, pharmaceutical or consumer product testing services provided by MPL Laboratories, please visit www.MPLLaboratories.com, call (800) 548-1874 or email  info@MPLLaboratories.com .


About MPL Laboratories
MPL Laboratories (formerly Marypaul Laboratories) was founded in 1985 as a full service microbiology laboratory. It is ISO/IEC 17025 accredited by PJLA, FDA and DEA registered, and NJDEP certified. MPL’s staff includes a PhD Diplomat of the American Board of Toxicology, M.S. and B.S. degreed microbiologists, and other dedicated scientists. The microbiology testing laboratory serves the pharmaceutical, medical device, cosmetic, personal care and food industries. MPL aims to provide its clients with high quality, reliable test data in a timely manner. The laboratory is part of the EMSL Analytical network of over 40 laboratories across the United States and Canada.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

MPL Laboratories

(1) 856-303-2503

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