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Thinking About a Tattoo? FDA Warns These Inks Could Be Dangerous

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on May 9, 2025.

By I. Edwards HealthDay Reporter

FRIDAY, May 9, 2025 — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers and tattoo artists that two tattoo inks have tested positive for harmful bacteria and could lead to serious infections.

The affected products are:

FDA testing found the inks were contaminated with bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can cause infections when injected into the skin.

These infections can cause red rashes, bumps or lesions and may leave permanent scars if not treated correctly, according to an FDA news release.

"There is an increased risk of infection any time the skin barrier is broken," the FDA said.

Symptoms of infection can sometimes be mistaken for an allergic reaction, which can cause a delay in getting the right treatment.

The FDA discovered the contaminated inks during a routine survey of tattoo products. The agency relied on microbiological testing methods typically used for cosmetics.

Tattoo artists and studios are urged to avoid using or selling these specific inks. Consumers are advised to ask their tattoo artist what inks are being used and to avoid the affected products.

The FDA said it is working with manufacturers and sellers to remove these products from the market.

Anyone who experiences a reaction after getting a tattoo should contact a health care provider and report the issue through the FDA’s SmartHub.

Sources

  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration, news release, May 7, 2025

Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.

© 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

Posted May 2025

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