FDA: Contaminated Face Paint Recalled
Consumers should avoid using certain water-based face paint products because bacterial contamination could case adverse skin reactions, according to an announcement this week from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The affected face paint products were distributed by "Oriental Trading Co." a company located in Omaha, Nebraska, and come in packages labeled "Face Paint." According to the FDA, the face paint products were manufactured in China and are being voluntarily recalled by Fun Express Inc., a subsidiary of Oriental Trading Co.
See the FDA News Release for full details on the affected products, including item numbers, product descriptions, and UPC codes. The FDA is also providing consumers with online Images of the Recalled Face Paint Packages.
According to the FDA, testing revealed "significant microbial contamination" of the face paint products, after "a cluster of adverse events in children exposed to various colors of the face paint" which occurred at the same organized event and included "rashes, itchiness, burning sensation, and swelling where the face paints were applied."
The FDA is advising consumers to stop using the affected face paint products and throw them away, or try to return them to the retailer. And if any skin problems or other health issues related to the face paints occur, consumers should report the incident to the FDA and local health authorities.
The contaminated face paint joins a growing list of China-manufactured products that have raised a red flag of health and safety concerns -- including bad drywall that was used to build homes in the U.S., toys that were manufactured with dangerous levels of lead paint, and contaminated infant formula.
- FDA Consumer Warning on Contaminated Face Paint (FDA.gov)
- Images of the Recalled Face Paint Packages (FDA.gov)
- L.A. Times: Contaminated Face Paint Recalled by FDA
- Accident & Injury Center (FindLaw)
- Personal Injuries from Defective Products (provided by The Law Office of John J. Finckbeiner, Jr.)