Aug. 27, 2024. Reno/Sparks, Nev. – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced Sierra Stain LLC is recalling three water-based tattoo pigments, because they are contaminated with high concentrations of microorganisms that present a health concern to consumers.

The products listed in the recall are Bloodline inks and are packaged in plastic round bullet-shaped bottles with a black dispense screw top.

Bloodline inks and Sierra Stain LLC are no longer in business, and tattoo artists and retailers are prohibited from using or selling any products from these companies.

Bloodline ink products found to be contaminated with high concentrations of microorganisms that can affect health. Courtesy U.S. Food & Drug Administration

Infections associated with contaminated tattoo ink can cause rashes or lesions where the ink was applied, and in some cases, can lead to permanent scarring.

Tattoo artists and facilities in Washoe County are required to obtain a valid health permit from Northern Nevada Public Health and are inspected at least once a year. More information on the requirements for a professional, licensed tattoo shop can be found on the NNPH website.

Consumers who have been injured or affected by these products should consider reporting their injury to MedWatch: FDA’s Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program. You can find more information about the recall on the FDA’s website.

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Please note the Washoe County Health District changed its name to Northern Nevada Public Health on Aug. 31, 2023. More information is here.

Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board and has jurisdiction over all public health matters in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County through the policy-making District Board of Health. NNPH consists of five divisions: Administrative Health Services, Air Quality Management, Community and Clinical Health Services, Environmental Health Services and Epidemiology & Public Health Preparedness. More info can be found here.