Consumer Authority recalls tattoo inks and kits

The Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority has been notified of dangerous tattoo inks and kits which may have been placed on the market in Malta.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a recall of tattoo ink, needles, and kits because of bacterial contamination that led to one illness.

White & Blue Lion, Inc., of Industry, Calif., is recalling 5-millilitre bottles of all colours of tattoo ink from a certain lot and batch sold in kits and separately. The ink has a best-used-by date of 16 December 2016. It is also recalling various lots of tattoo needles that are included in kits and have an expiration date of June 2018.

In the tattoo kits, which contain both inks and needles, the FDA detected a number of bacterial contaminants. More information can be found through this link.

The Technical Regulations Division of the MCCAA reminds all economic operators involved in tattoos and tattoo inks about the necessity to ensure that the product they are placing on the market complies with requirements at all times. The Authority also advises consumers thinking of having a tattoo made, to request the operator to demonstrate that inks and kits being used comply with the applicable requirements.