The FDA published draft recommendations to reduce the risk of microbial contamination in tattoo inks following a multitude of reports of illnesses caused by infected inks. According to the administration, the new recommendations are expected to help tattoo manufacturers and distributors identify and avoid potential contamination events. Previously, the FDA issued a statement to tattoo artists and retailers warning them to check that their inks are not contaminated prior to use. The administration recommended tattoo manufacturers or distributors should test their inks for contamination and discard any that contain microbes, and that manufacturers should ensure that tattoo inks are not exposed to microbes during the manufacturing process by sanitizing facilities and equipment.
June 19, 2023