Elevated risk U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Bloodline Water Based Tattoo Pigments recall: Contaminated with high concentrations of microorganisms

Recall published 2+ years ago

Contaminated with high concentrations of microorganisms

Bloodline Cosmetics & personal care — recalled cosmetics & personal care
Photo published by U.S. Food and Drug Administration with the recall notice.

The hazard: Product safety hazard

The notice above names the hazard. CPSC recalls are issued because someone can be hurt, not because the product underperforms.

What the notice says: Some tattoo infections can result in permanent scarring.

Why it matters: The CPSC published this recall because the product can injure someone. The hazard statement above describes how.

Recall details

Published
August 23, 2024
Risk level
Elevated risk
Issued by
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Brand
Bloodline
Product type
Cosmetics & personal care
Distribution
Nationwide
Sold at
Amazon
Reports of harm
No illnesses have been reported to date.

Products covered by this recall

Water Based Tattoo Pigments

What the company announced

Sierra Stain LLC of Carson City, Nevada is recalling 3 water-based tattoo pigments, because they are contaminated with high concentrations of microorganisms which present a health concern to consumers. Commonly reported symptoms of tattoo ink associated infections include the appearance of rashes or lesions consisting of red papules solely in areas where the contaminated ink has been applied. Some tattoo infections can result in permanent scarring. Symptoms can be difficult to recognize, as other conditions (e.g. allergic reactions) may also present with similar findings.

  • Product Label: Bloodline 1/2oz/15mL CAROLINA BLUE Water Based Tattoo Pigments · Manufacturing Codes: Batch #1 Lot BL23 Manufactured 07/01/23 Expires 07/01/26 · Microorganisms Identified: Citrobacter braakii Citrobacter farmer Pseudomonas fluorescens Achromobacter xylosoxidans Ochrobactrum anthropic Cupriavidus pauculus
  • Product Label: Bloodline 1oz/30mL ALL PURPOSE BLACK Water Based Tattoo Pigments · Manufacturing Codes: Batch #1 Lot BL23 Manufactured 07/01/23 Expires 07/01/26 · Microorganisms Identified: Acetobacter senegalensis
  • Product Label: Bloodline 1/2oz/15mL UV CHINA PINK Water Based Tattoo Pigments · Manufacturing Codes: Batch #1 Lot SC23 Manufactured 06/23 Expires 06/26 · Microorganisms Identified: Curtobacterium citreum/pusillum

Products are packaged in plastic rounded bullet shape PET bottles with black dispense screw top and were distributed to all 50 states through Amazon.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

Reason for recall: The recall was initiated after the recalling firm became aware of the results of the samples collected and analyzed by FDA, which tested positive for multiple microorganisms.

Tattoo artists and retailers should avoid using or selling the recalled tattoo inks and dispose product in a sharps container or a similar biohazard container. SDS info is available upon request.

Tattoo artists should be working in a professional environment such as a Tattoo Shop, as tattooing from home carries high risk of contamination in unsanitary conditions. Tattoo inks alone may not be the sole cause of adverse reactions, if not applied in a safe environment by professionals.

Consumers should also consider reporting their injury to MedWatch: FDA’s Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program . The FDA encourages consumers with questions about product safety to submit an inquiry, or to visit www.fda.gov/fcic for additional information.

Bloodline inks and Sierra Stain LLC are no longer in business and not manufacturing tattoo ink products. For questions contact [email protected] .

Reproduced from the company announcement posted on fda.gov. Links and contact forms in the original are not repeated here; the official notice below has them.

Check your product

The notice names 8 codes you can read straight off the package. Type the one printed on yours and the list below narrows to it.

Lot or batch code

Usually ink-stamped near the seam, the cap or the bottom of the pack.

  • BL23
  • C23

Best-by / use-by date

Printed beside the lot code, not on the price sticker.

  • 07/01/26
  • 06/26

Package size

Match the net weight or the piece count on the front of the pack.

  • 2 oz
  • 15 mL
  • 1 oz
  • 30 mL

Codes are lifted verbatim from the FDA — Company recall announcements notice. A code that is missing here may still be covered — the official notice is the complete list.

What to do about Product safety

Bloodline — The notice above names the hazard. CPSC recalls are issued because someone can be hurt, not because the product underperforms.

  1. Stop using the product and move it somewhere a child or pet cannot reach it.
  2. If the product already hurt someone, file a report at SaferProducts.gov.
  3. Check the model number and date code against the identifiers on this page, and photograph them.
  4. Do not resell, donate or pass it on — reselling a recalled product is illegal in the United States.

Claiming your refund, repair or replacement

The recalling company decides the remedy and funds it. You should never pay for a recall repair or for return shipping.

  • Use the company contact on this page first. Most firms run a dedicated recall page with a claim form that is far quicker than their main support line.
  • If you bought it from a retailer rather than the brand, try both. Target, Walmart and Amazon often refund recalled goods from the order history.
  • If the company stops responding, escalate to the CPSC. Firms under a recall order have reporting duties to the agency.
  • Have the model number, the date code and your photos ready. Many companies issue store credit by default — ask for cash or a card reversal if you would rather have it.

Remedy named in the notice: Tattoo artists and retailers should avoid using or selling the recalled tattoo inks and dispose product in a sharps container or a similar biohazard container.

Company contact: Sierra Stain LLC — Consumers: [email protected]

The official notice

This page summarises a notice published by U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The agency notice is the authoritative version — read it before you act, and treat it as the final word if anything here looks different.

Open the FDA — Company recall announcements record U.S. Food and Drug Administration recalls

Questions people ask about this recall

Why was Bloodline cosmetics & personal care recalled?

Contaminated with high concentrations of microorganisms Some tattoo infections can result in permanent scarring.

How do I know if I have the recalled product?

Match the codes printed on your package against the notice: lot code BL23, C23; best-by date 07/01/26 or 06/26. If the code on your package is not on that list, your unit is outside the recall.

What should I do with it right now?

Stop using the product and move it somewhere a child or pet cannot reach it.

Can I get my money back?

The notice says: Tattoo artists and retailers should avoid using or selling the recalled tattoo inks and dispose product in a sharps container or a similar biohazard container.

Where was the recalled product sold?

It was distributed nationwide, including at Amazon.

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