When you hear the words "product recall" most likely you think of faulty automobiles, baby cribs with deadly side effects or some foodstuff tainted with E. coli bacteria. However an escalating product recall has been underway for the first few months of 2011 that can effect the world of body art, most specifically body piercing preparation items.

The Triad Group, which manufactures a wide range of medical products, first put into effect a voluntary recall in January of 2011. This was related to alcohol prep pads and swabs that were suspected to be infected with bacteria due to improper manufacturing conditions. Some of what Triad makes are relabeled "house brands" sold by stores such as Walgreens and CVS. The January recall of alcohol-related products was followed by a voluntary recall in February of lubricating jellies, and then by a third voluntary recall in March related to providone-iodine prep pads.

In early April, a letter of concern was sent by members of the Senate to the FDA, complaining that records showed that issues with Triad manufacturing were detected as early as late summer of 2009, but that no action was taken against the company or warnings issued until late in 2010. So far, there has been one suspected death in relation to these products and a variety of cases presumed to be connected to the contaminated products.

Just a week following the Congressional attention, the FDA opted to take decisive action, stating they were not satisfied with Triad's compliance and began seizing products at the company's Wisconsin facility.

For a full listing of press releases and announcements from the FDA in regards to this situation, here is a link to their website which will specifically sort for that information: Triad Product Recall.