United States: Before surrendering your skin to the needle’s artistry, pause and question the purity of the pigment being etched into your flesh. The US Food and Drug Administration has recently cast a spotlight on two specific color variants—Raven Black and Sunny Daze—by Sacred Tattoo Ink, declaring them tainted with harmful bacteria, notably the pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
In a public caution issued on May 7, the FDA warned, “When tattoo ink carries dangerous microbes, injecting it under the skin can open the gates to serious infections. Anytime the skin is punctured, the chances of such complications rise considerably.”
A Closer Look at the Culprit: Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
This bacterium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is not just any microbe—it’s a stealthy invader often seen in medical settings. It’s notorious for triggering severe infections in the bloodstream, lungs (as pneumonia), and urinary tract, particularly among individuals reliant on catheters, breathing machines, or recovering from surgical wounds and burns. Some strains have grown impervious to antibiotics, making them even more threatening, according to the CDC.
The FDA highlighted that infections from such inks can leave permanent marks, not as art, but as scars. Although no injury incidents have surfaced related to these specific ink lots, the threat remains tangible.
What Batches Are Under Scrutiny?
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
The manufacturing firm, rooted in Scroggins, Texas, acknowledged the issue on Facebook, stating, “Seems like it was our turn. Out of all the shades examined, only two got flagged—and luckily, those were limited production batches.”
Telltale Signs of Tattoo-Linked Infection
Infections tied to tattoo ink often masquerade as skin eruptions or patchy lesions in the inked area. The FDA noted that such symptoms can be confusing, mimicking allergies or unrelated skin ailments, leading to incorrect treatment paths and overlooked diagnoses.
Should you notice abnormal reactions post-tattoo, it’s wise to connect with your healthcare provider. Those who suspect they’ve been exposed to the affected inks can submit a report via the FDA’s SmartHub portal.
Advice for the Ink-Inclined
Before you sit down for fresh body art, probe your artist about the ink brands they use. Specifically, steer clear of the two highlighted Sacred Tattoo Ink batches. Tattoo professionals and suppliers are urged to withdraw these products from circulation entirely.
This Isn’t the First Ink Scare
The tattoo industry has faced contamination storms before. A 2023 study tracked 15 voluntary recalls involving over 200 tattoo inks between 2003 and 2023 in the US, with nearly every case stemming from microbial infestation.
One of the more recent scares occurred in August 2024, when Sierra Stain withdrew three water-based pigments riddled with dangerously high levels of multiple bacterial strains.
Final Thought
While tattoos are meant to be lifelong symbols of self-expression, no one wants that emblem to come bundled with infections or lasting damage. Vigilance—both from customers and professionals—is the only safeguard. The ink may be permanent, but the choice to protect your skin starts now.