The Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA) has raised alarms regarding the safety of tattoo inks used in the state after discovering the presence of heavy metals in some samples. This move follows an investigation into the quality of tattoo inks, which revealed that up to 22 heavy metals were found in certain products.
The FDA has since called for regulatory measures, writing to the Drugs Controller General of India to introduce stricter guidelines for tattoo ink, particularly in the absence of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) regulations for these products. Karnataka’s Health Minister, Dinesh Gundu Rao, highlighted the lack of safety standards for tattoo inks and announced that new safety guidelines would be introduced soon to protect the public.
Concerns Among Tattoo Artists
Many tattoo artists in Bengaluru rely on pigments sourced from Europe and the United States, including brands like Radiant and Dynamic. However, the Karnataka State Tattoo Studios and Artists Association, led by Pradeep Menon, is now urging a reevaluation of ink safety. Menon has long advocated for the registration of tattoo studios and the implementation of safety protocols, including regulations on the use of inks.
A meeting of around 60 members of the Association was held on Monday to address the issue. Menon shared concerns that some of the imported inks do not meet safety standards and may contain harmful microorganisms or carbon traces. To mitigate potential risks, the Association has advised its members to use only black pigments for tattoos moving forward. Additionally, the group is working with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to test cosmetic inks and ensure their safety before making future recommendations on brands.
Impact on the Tattoo Business
The report on ink safety has caused a notable shift in customer behavior, with tattoo parlors seeing a decrease in enquiries. Akil Anand, owner of Skindeep Tattoo in Indiranagar, reported a 30% drop in customer interest. “Customers are calling and asking more questions about tattoo safety and health concerns,” he noted.
Ritesh Aghariya, the owner of Tattoo Sutra, has taken proactive steps to address customer concerns by using natural vegetable-based dyes in his studio. Aghariya emphasizes transparency, allowing clients to inspect the inks used in his studio, including their expiry dates and ingredient details. These inks are also scanned to ensure their safety.
Looking Ahead
As the issue of tattoo ink safety unfolds in Karnataka, the tattoo community is pushing for clearer regulations to protect both consumers and artists. The forthcoming safety guidelines are expected to address these concerns and ensure that tattoo inks used in the state meet rigorous safety standards.
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