life is like a little boat upon the sea

issued may 7, 2025

this is NOT a recall. these dangerous inks remain on shelves and in tattoo parlors, unless they choose to stop selling and using them. tattoo artists are legally allowed to continue using these contaminated inks, despite the risks.

Audience •Consumers who are considering a new tattoo •Tattoo artists •Retailers of tattoo inks Product FDA laboratory analysis has found that the following tattoo inks are contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms: •Sacred Tattoo Ink, Raven Black; CI# 77266; Lot#: RB0624; Best Before: June 28 2027 •Sacred Tattoo Ink, Sunny Daze; CI# 21095; Lot#: SD1124; Best Before: Nov 1 2027 Purpose The FDA is alerting consumers, tattoo artists, and retailers of the potential for serious injury from use of tattoo inks that are contaminated with bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Tattoo inks contaminated with pathogenic 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.

some emphasis mine. remember to click the FDA link for the full announcement. the affected inks are from the manufacturer called sacred tattoo inks, and they do not expire until 2027.

pseudomonas aeruginosa, according to the world health organization, "poses one of the greatest threats to humans in terms of antibiotic resistance". it is a known cause of serious illnesses like sepsis, which can be deadly. treatment of infections can be very difficult. basically, this pathogen is some really nasty shit. it was not the only contaminant found, just the only contaminant named.

and you might be wondering, "why is this not a recall?"

the FDA does not clear tattoo inks for use before they get sold and used in the US. it is entirely up to the ink manufacturer to test their products before selling them. tattoo inks that are contaminated with microbes or that contain unlisted ingredients are not always recalled, and tattoo inks sold in the united states are frequently contaminated (source 1, source 2, source 3, source 4) and/or mislabeled.

in the US, tattoo inks are considered cosmetic and are lacking in many regulations that could protect people from danger. they are not regulated and recalled like food or drugs are, and there are 0 FDA-approved tattoo inks. it is largely up to consumers and tattoo facilities to make safe choices about tattoo inks, and this is one such case.

basically, I (rune) want you to understand that noticeable gaps in federal tattoo ink regulations are not at all a new thing.

Recommendations for Consumers Ask the tattoo artist or studio about the tattoo inks they use and avoid the tattoo inks listed above, due to risk of infection and injury. Recommendations for Tattoo Artists, and Retailers Avoid using or selling the tattoo inks mentioned above, due to risk of infection and injury. FDA Monitoring The FDA will continue to work with manufacturers and retailers to help ensure contaminated products are removed from the market.

note that these are recommendations and not requirements. the FDA recommends these inks stop being used and sold. confusingly, the FDA says they will "help ensure" the contaminated products get removed from the market, despite their help largely being, and I cannot emphasize this enough, recommendations.

it is important for everyone interested in tattoos in the US to understand the lack of federal regulations surrounding tattoo inks. as the FDA mentions in their advisory, consumers are advised to ask their tattoo artist about what inks they use, and then refuse the tattoo if the artist uses these inks. because again, THIS IS NOT A RECALL.

Who to Contact Health care professionals and consumers are encouraged to report any adverse health experiences at FDA's SmartHub.

and here are pictures of the recalled inks.

if the manufacturer chooses to voluntarily recall these inks, and I REALLY fucking hope they do, I will add that information in a reblog.

Also, I've managed to pick up 2 of the box fans for very cheap/free from yard sales. Make sure you get a filter rated for wildfire smoke, I think this one cost about $20.

And the illustration