Tattoo ink recalled due to contamination with infection-causing microorganisms
Two colors of Sacred Tattoo Ink-brand tattoo ink are being recalled due to being contaminated with infection-causing microorganisms, the FDA announced Wednesday.
The FDA became aware that specific lots of the brand's 'Raven Black' and 'Sunny Daze' ink colors were contaminated with harmful bacteria during routine consumer safety lab tests, according to the recall notice. The inks were found to have pseudomonas aeruginosa — a bacteria that can cause blood, lung and urinary tract infections and is often antibiotic resistant, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
'Tattoo inks contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms can cause infections and lead to serious health injuries when injected into the skin during a tattooing procedure, since there is an increased risk of infection any time the skin barrier is broken,' the recall notice reads.
Infections related to tattoo ink often appear as rashes or lesions with red bumps in areas where the ink was applied, according to the recall notice. Such infections are often mistaken for allergic reactions, and can lead to permanent scarring if not treated properly.
The affected 'Raven Black' ink has CI# 77266, Lot#: RB0624 and a 'Best Before' date of June 28, 2027, on the bottle, according to the recall notice. The affected 'Sunny Daze' ink has CI# 21095, Lot#: SD1124 and a 'Best Before' date of Nov. 1, 2027 on the bottle.
Tattoo artists are encouraged to check their inks and dispose of any contaminated inks they find, according to the recall notice. Tattoo shop customers are advised to check with their artist about what inks they will be using before getting tattooed.
The FDA is working with manufacturers and retailers to help ensure the contaminated ink products are removed from the market, according to the recall notice. Health care professionals and consumers are encouraged to report any adverse health experiences that may be tied to the contaminated inks through the FDA's SmartHub.
More national news
Read the original article on MassLive.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Business News
27 minutes ago
- Time Business News
Online News Spotlight: Global Vape Kit Policy Changes Shaping the Future of Vaping
The global landscape of vaping regulations is shifting rapidly as governments and health authorities respond to rising concerns over youth vaping, product safety, and public health implications. In recent months, online news platforms have been abuzz with updates about vape kit policy changes in various parts of the world. These updates are shaping consumer behavior, impacting manufacturers, and drawing strong reactions from advocacy groups and health officials alike. In this blog, we'll explore the major policy shifts making headlines across continents, the motivations behind these changes, and the broader implications for the vaping industry. In today's world, ensuring access to pure and safe drinking water is essential for health and well-being. Modern filtration technology has made it easier to remove contaminants and improve water quality effectively. Among the latest innovations, the hayati pro ultra 25000 stands out for its high efficiency and reliability. Designed to handle large volumes of water, it combines advanced filtration methods to eliminate impurities and harmful substances. This system not only provides clean water but also supports sustainable usage with durable components. Perfect for both residential and commercial settings, it represents a significant step forward in water purification technology. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has intensified its crackdown on unauthorized vape products. Following the ongoing scrutiny over flavored e-cigarettes and their role in youth vaping epidemics, the FDA has issued warning letters to several manufacturers and retailers. Recent online reports highlight that the agency is actively seeking to remove from the market all vape kits that haven't undergone its premarket tobacco product application (PMTA) process. In particular, the FDA is targeting disposables and fruit-flavored products that are appealing to minors. The heightened regulation has triggered widespread debate. Public health experts support the move, citing concerns over increasing teen nicotine addiction. On the other hand, adult users and harm reduction advocates argue that overregulation may inadvertently push people back to smoking traditional cigarettes. News outlets covering these stories emphasize the delicate balance regulators must strike between protecting youth and supporting smokers trying to quit through vaping. Across the Atlantic, the UK government is planning to introduce a new vape tax as part of its broader anti-smoking strategy. According to online reports from major British media outlets, the proposed legislation includes restrictions on vape flavors, packaging designs, and a new excise tax on vape liquids. The move has sparked a wave of public feedback and concern among vaping communities, particularly because the UK has traditionally been more vape-friendly compared to other nations. British health authorities have promoted vaping as a smoking cessation tool for years. However, rising rates of youth experimentation and illegal sales of high-nicotine devices have forced the government to reconsider its approach. Online news articles highlight how the proposed policies aim to reduce underage access while maintaining support for adult smokers. Still, critics warn that heavy-handed measures could erode public trust and damage one of the country's most successful harm reduction strategies. Australia continues to lead with one of the strictest vaping policies globally. As of recent updates, vape kits containing nicotine can only be accessed through a doctor's prescription. This policy has been in place for a while, but online news platforms report that enforcement has intensified in 2025. Border seizures of illegal vape imports have increased, and authorities are cracking down on retailers violating the rules. Online media coverage from Australian health officials points to youth protection and addiction prevention as the primary goals. However, public health advocates and medical professionals remain divided. Some argue that restricted access is crucial to curbing rising youth vaping rates, while others say it places unnecessary burdens on adults seeking safer alternatives to smoking. Online discussions often focus on how the black market is thriving under the current framework, undermining the policy's original intent. New Zealand's vaping policy has traditionally favored a balanced, harm-reduction approach. However, online news sources reveal that the government is now reviewing its regulatory stance in light of growing public health concerns. Changes being considered include limiting the types of vape flavors allowed, enforcing stricter advertising rules, and introducing tougher penalties for retailers who sell to minors. Health officials in New Zealand still support vaping as a tool to help people quit smoking, a position echoed by many online editorials and expert interviews. However, policymakers are now more cautious, especially given data suggesting a rise in youth vaping prevalence. The upcoming policy review is expected to incorporate insights from both public health research and community consultations. The European Union is witnessing a patchwork of vape regulations across its 27 member countries. Online news outlets are closely monitoring efforts by the European Commission to update the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD), which governs the sale and marketing of vape products. New proposals are expected to address nicotine limits, product labeling, cross-border sales, and environmental concerns related to disposable devices. EU-based news coverage indicates a strong push from health NGOs to introduce plain packaging and flavor bans, particularly for fruity and sweet vape kits. However, industry voices are cautioning against policies that might stifle innovation or limit access to potentially life-saving alternatives. The conversation online also includes growing concern about illicit trade and how uneven enforcement across member states can compromise regulatory goals. In Canada, several provinces have moved ahead with their own flavor bans, sparking nationwide discussion. Online news reports confirm that provinces like British Columbia and Nova Scotia have restricted or banned the sale of flavored vape products, citing their appeal to young users. Health Canada is also reportedly considering national regulations to align with these provincial measures. Online media commentary shows a growing divide between federal and provincial policies, with some stakeholders calling for a more unified approach. Youth vaping statistics have been central to the debate, and public reactions vary widely. Some applaud the bans as a necessary step, while others argue they could reduce smoking cessation success rates. The story continues to evolve as lawmakers seek a compromise that supports both public health and adult smokers. The vaping regulatory environment in Asia is highly diverse, as highlighted by various online news platforms. Countries like Japan and South Korea have adopted relatively permissive policies toward heat-not-burn tobacco products but remain cautious about nicotine vapes. Meanwhile, nations such as India and Thailand have implemented outright bans on e-cigarettes, citing public health risks and lack of long-term safety data. In China, the world's largest manufacturer of vape products, the government has introduced strict new rules governing product standards, marketing, and domestic sales. Online coverage reveals that these changes are intended to align the vape industry with traditional tobacco controls, a move that significantly affects global supply chains. The Asian market's varied regulatory stances continue to influence how international companies navigate compliance and innovation. Across the globe, the vaping industry is grappling with the implications of these policy shifts. Online news reports frequently cover how manufacturers are adjusting product lines, reformulating flavors, and investing in compliance infrastructure. Meanwhile, consumers are expressing frustration over reduced access to preferred products and confusion about new laws. Some online stories spotlight the rise of advocacy groups pushing back against restrictive measures, arguing for evidence-based policies that prioritize harm reduction. Others focus on the booming black market and how regulatory gaps are being exploited. For consumers, especially those using vaping as a smoking cessation aid, these changes can mean fewer choices and more uncertainty. As online news coverage illustrates, vape kit policy changes are unfolding rapidly across the world, reflecting broader societal tensions between innovation, public health, and personal freedom. Governments are increasingly walking a tightrope—balancing the need to protect youth while enabling smokers to access less harmful alternatives. Whether through outright bans, strict regulation, or supportive harm-reduction models, the direction of policy will continue to evolve in response to public opinion, emerging science, and industry developments. For vape users, manufacturers, and policymakers alike, staying informed through credible news sources is essential. The future of vaping remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the global regulatory landscape will continue to be a hotbed of debate, transformation, and innovation in the months and years ahead. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
41 minutes ago
- Yahoo
DIA to Celebrate 9 Life Sciences Leaders at DIA 2025 Global Annual Meeting in Washington
EMA's Emer Cooke, former FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf to be recognized among new Fellows of DIA and annual Global Inspire Award winners, with special keynote from global health leader Dr. Larry Brilliant and live performance from Grammy-nominated artist Aloe Blacc WASHINGTON, June 04, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DIA, a global non-profit organization of life sciences professionals, will induct four Fellows of DIA and recognize six recipients of Global Inspire Awards and America's Inspire Awards on June 15 as part of the DIA 2025 Global Annual Meeting — including Emer Cooke, Executive Director of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), who is receiving both honors. Fellows of DIA are long-serving members recognized for their sustained dedication to advancing healthcare. The Global Inspire Awards recognize honorees who have made outstanding improvements to global health while adhering to DIA's mission. "These distinguished individuals have made enduring contributions to the life sciences reflecting DIA's values and purpose," said Marwan Fathallah, DIA's President and Chief Executive Officer. "Their work in regulatory science, research, and global collaboration exemplifies the spirit of innovation that drives our mission forward." Cooke has been the EMA's Executive Director and the Chair of the International Coalition of Medicines Regulatory Authorities (ICMRA) since November 2020. She has more than 30 years of experience in international regulatory affairs, including four years as the director responsible for medical product-related regulatory activities at the World Health Organization (WHO). Dr. Robert M. Califf, who served as the Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from February 2016 to January 2017 and February 2022 to January 2025, is also being recognized as a Fellow of DIA. A nationally recognized expert in cardiovascular medicine and health outcomes research, he has led many landmark clinical trials and is one of the most frequently cited authors in biomedical science. Dr. Califf became a Member of the National Academy of Medicine in 2016. Dr. Michael Rosenblatt and Dr. Hironobu Saito are also being named Fellows of DIA. Rosenblatt, a Senior Partner at Flagship Pioneering and the Immediate Past Chair of DIA's Board of Directors, has advanced biopharmaceutical research and development throughout his career. He was previously Merck's Chief Medical Officer and the Dean of the Tufts University School of Medicine. Saito, a Specially Appointed Professor at Tottori University's Chromosome Engineering Research Center, spent 35 years in drug development at Daiichi Sankyo and has contributed to DIA Japan for more than two decades. In addition to Cooke, who will be presented with the Global Award for Outstanding Contribution to Health, six members of the health and life sciences community will receive Global Inspire Awards: — Kazumichi Kobayashi, Executive Deputy President at Otsuka Medical Device, will be honored with the Global Connector Award for advancing DIA's mission and promoting global collaborations. Kobayashi, who has served in various senior positions in research and development at Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., previously led DIA Japan and chaired the DIA Advisory Council of Japan. — Cary Smithson will receive the Community Engagement Award as a DIA Community Chair who consistently drives engagement while advancing knowledge and thought leadership. Smithson, a Managing Partner at LeapAhead Solutions, leads DIA's Regulatory Affairs Community and Regulatory Information Management (RIM) Intelligent Automation Team, and co-leads its RIM Working Group. —Jennifer B. Christian will be named the Author of the Year, an award given to individuals whose article made the greatest impact on readership based on the number of downloads reported by Therapeutic Innovation & Regulatory Science (TIRS) in the preceding issue year. Her article, co-authored with Mehmet Burcu, Cyntia B. Manzano-Salgado, Anne M. Butler, "A Framework for Extension Studies Using Real-World Data to Examine Long-Term Safety and Effectiveness," was downloaded more than 12,400 times. Global Inspire Award recipients, except for the Author of the Year, must be nominated by two active DIA members to be considered candidates. They undergo a thorough review process before a committee of Fellows of DIA selects the winners. DIA will also recognize the regional Inspire Awards winners from the Americas: — David Fryrear, Chief Quality Officer at Astellas Pharma, will receive the Excellence in Service Award as a DIA volunteer who has significantly contributed to the advancement of the organization's mission. He previously held senior roles at AbbVie and Eli Lilly and Company and spent much of his career developing and improving quality systems. — Elma Abdulbaki, a PharmD student at the University of Illinois at Chicago and President of the DIA National Student Board, will be honored with the Leader of Tomorrow Award for her outstanding contributions as a young professional in the healthcare field. In addition to these awards and recognitions, there will be a performance by Grammy-nominated artist and songwriter Aloe Blacc. Renowned physician, epidemiologist, and global health leader Dr. Larry Brilliant will keynote at the event. Tickets for the awards ceremony are available to the public for the first time and can be purchased by clicking here. These honors will be presented in conjunction with the DIA 2025 Global Annual Meeting, the world's preeminent multidisciplinary life sciences forum held June 15-19 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington. Click here to register or view the DIA 2025 event program. Media members may request credentials by emailing diaglobal@ About DIADIA is a leading global non-profit life science membership association that drives collaboration in drug, device, and diagnostics development in pursuit of a healthier world. Founded in 1964 with headquarters in Washington, D.C., and offices in Europe and Asia, DIA provides unparalleled networking opportunities, educational resources, scientific research publications, and professional development programs to members in more than 80 countries. Learn more at and connect with DIA on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram. View source version on Contacts Media Katie KennedyGregory FCAdiaglobal@ 610-731-1045 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
44 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Will norovirus surge early again this year? Here's what scientists say
Will the upcoming norovirus season be just as early and active as the past year? While the answer may be anyone's guess right now, federal health officials recently warned that the dominant strain of the contagious virus — the leading cause of vomiting, diarrhea, and foodborne illness in the U.S. — has changed between the 2022-2023 and 2024-2025 seasons. 'GII.17 has caused 75 percent of all norovirus outbreaks during the 2024–25 season so far, thereby replacing GII.4 as the predominant norovirus outbreak strain in the United States,' Centers for Disease Control researchers wrote in an article published this month by the agency's Emerging Infectious Diseases journal. This past season also started at the earlier date of October, as opposed to December. GII.17 also drove a record wave of outbreaks. But, what all of this might mean going forward needs further research. 'Additional sequence analysis of complete GII.17 genomes and identification of cross-protective neutralizing antibodies of GII.17 compared with GII.4 viruses could help clarify whether GII.17 viruses will persist. Continued surveillance is needed to determine if this genotype remains the dominant genotype, as well as whether the norovirus season continues to start earlier than previous years,' they wrote. A spokesperson for the agency told CBS News that there are 'currently insufficient historic data to predict whether norovirus GII.17 will remain the dominant genotype and lead to an earlier onset of the norovirus season later this year.' They pointed to a surge of GII.17 strains in Asia and Europe in 2014 that was followed by no reports of a change to seasonality, and noted that there has been no clear evidence to prove that GII.17's emergence was the cause of a change to the norovirus season last year. Still, this past season reached the worst levels in a decade. There were 91 suspected or confirmed outbreaks during the first week of December, which Yale Medicine said exceeded the number of outbreaks during the same week in any year since 2012. The majority were the GII.7 strain. In years when there is a new strain of the virus, there can be 50 percent more norovirus illness. Cases continued to tick up months into this year. By May 7, there were 2,571 outbreaks. During the same time last year, there were only 1,358. 'The total number of outbreaks reported during the 2024 to 2025 seasonal year is above the range reported during the same period during the 2012 to 2020 and 2021 to 2024 seasonal years,' the CDC said. Cases have fallen markedly since January, and are now at low levels. While the outbreaks occur throughout the year, they are the most common from November to April as people head indoors and it's easier to spread norovirus through infected particles. Anyone who consumes raw shellfish is also at risk of contracting it. Infection can be deadly largely among adults aged 65 and up, but anyone can get sick. Children younger than 5 years old and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop severe infections. There are 900 deaths on average each year and between 19 and 21 million illnesses. There's no specific treatment for norovirus, but most people recover with a period of up to three days. 'The norovirus can spread so quickly, but also, as we already talked about, norovirus can be very — it's usually very fast. So yeah, if people are taking care of themselves, we leave them alone,' explained Dr. Joanna Bisgrove, a family physician at Rush University Medical Center. 'But if it keeps going, we're like, maybe this isn't norovirus, and we need to do other things.'
