The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·17003·Announced 2016-10-04

Sargent Art Recalls Tempera and Finger Paints Due to Bacteria Risk

Sargent Art is recalling 13 types of tempera and finger paints due to potential harmful bacteria. Consumers should stop using the products and contact the company for a refund.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (bacteria exposure) where injury has not yet been reported, which aligns with the 'High' severity criteria in the rubric.

Plain-English summary

Sargent Art, of Hazleton, Pa., is recalling 13 types of arts and crafts tempera and finger paints. The recall includes all colors and sizes of specific product lines, such as Art-Time Tempera Paint, Liquid Tempera Paint, and various washable finger and glitter paints. Approximately 2.8 million units were sold in the United States, with an additional 20,000 units sold in Canada.

The paints are being recalled because they may contain harmful bacteria. Exposure to certain bacteria can have adverse health effects in immunocompromised individuals, posing a risk of serious illness including bacterial infection. The source notes that consumers with healthy immune systems are not generally affected by the bacteria. No injuries have been reported.

The recalled paints were sold at Hobby Lobby, Walmart, and other stores nationwide, as well as online at Amazon.com and ShopSargentArt.com, from May 2015 to June 2016. Prices ranged between $1 and $8. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled paints and contact Sargent Art at 800-827-8081 or online at www.sargentart.com for a full refund.

The recalled product

Product
Arts and crafts tempera and finger paints
Affected units
20,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.