Face Paints Recalled Due to Skin Reactions

May 2009

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned consumers to stop using certain face paints that were manufactured in China. The agency has received reports of the products causing skin reactions in children.

The water-based face paints were manufactured by Shanghai Color Art Stationary Company Limited and were distributed nationwide by Oriental Trading Co. The adverse events linked to the paints occurred in children who were exposed at an organized event. The reactions included rashes, itchiness, burning sensation, and swelling where the face paints were applied. Significant microbial contamination was found in most of the samples tested at an FDA laboratory.

The following face paints are involved in the recall:

• Blue Face Paint, UPC 8 8760048110 7
• Purple Face Paint, UPC 8 8760048112 1
• Red Face Paint, UPC 8 8760048114 5
• Orange Face Paint, UPC 8 8760048116 9
• Black Face Paint, UPC 8 8760048118 3
• Green Face Paint, UPC 8 8760048120 6

The FDA advises consumers to stop using the products and discard them or return them to the retailer.