TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Department of Health warns individuals of a possible health risk involving certain tattoo inks that the Food and Drug Administration has confirmed contains bacterial contamination.

The inks are made by “A Thousand Virgins, Inc.” and are labeled G1, G2 and G3, indicating the shade. Unopened inks, manufactured in Florida and collected during the investigation, were found to contain harmful microorganisms, including Mycobacterium chelonae.

On July 22, 2015, “A Thousand Virgins, Inc.” recalled certain tattoo inks sold separately and in sets. Artists and consumers who purchase tattoo inks or who seek tattooing should examine the ink bottles and determine whether the product is part of the recall. Artists and consumers should not use and should dispose of tattoo inks that have been recalled. 

Anyone receiving a tattoo is at risk for infection, but particularly vulnerable are those with pre-existing heart or circulatory disease, diabetes, or patients with compromised immune systems. Clients should monitor the tattoo site closely and seek medical care if they notice redness, swelling, itching, bumps or blemishes, or have pain in the area of the tattoo that does not go away.

Adverse events or side effects related to the use of FDA-regulated products, including tattoo inks, should be reported by completing and submitting the adverse report online at www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm. Health care providers identifying persons with infections following use of the tattoo inks (listed above) should report the infections to their county health departments. As a reminder all outbreaks or clusters of illness are reportable to the Florida Department of Health.

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