FDA recalls Chinese face paints following reports of skin rashes

The Food and drug Administration (FDA) warned people not to use such face paints following the laboratory results showing “significant microbial contamination” in them.

The water-based face paints caused burning, rashes, itchiness and swelling in children when these were applied at their face. These paints are generally dabbed on kids’ cheeks at festivities, parties and other occasions.

What caused the recall
The FDA took the decision to recall after it “learned of a cluster of adverse events in children exposed to various colors of the face paint,” a press release by the agency read.

All exposures occurred on the same day at an organized event and included rashes, itchiness, burning sensation, and swelling where the face paints were applied. Significant microbial contamination was indicated in most of the products in testing by a FDA laboratory,” the release further read.

However, no other details regarding the number of affected kids or the date or location of the event were made available by the FDA.

The products were found to be containing yeast and mold counts, which were above the guidelines provided by the industry, affirmed spokeswoman Susan Cruzan.

Details of the paint products
The face paints are manufactured by Shanghai based Chinese company, Shanghai Color Art Stationary Company Limited and distributed by Oriental Trading Co., of Omaha, through its subsidiary, Fun Express Inc.

Fun Express Inc., which voluntarily recalled these products as a precautionary measure, admitted to have sold these face paints to 130 customers before January. “The recall action is being taken as a precautionary measure to ensure there are no other occurrences,” admitted Fun Express.

The recalled face-paint kits bear the item numbers 85/2077 to 85/2082.

Meanwhile, Jiang Chao, a sales manager for Fun Express Inc., was unaware of any such recall. “We’ve been exporting our face paint to America for over three years and never had a recall,” Jiang said.

Consumers who have already purchased the recalled face paints have been advised not to use them. The FDA has issued instructions to either discard these paint kits or return to the retailer for refund.