After learning of a cluster of children who developed rashes, itchiness, burning sensations and swelling after having their faces painted, the Food and Drug Administration is advising consumers to stop using certain water-based face paints distributed by the Oriental Trading Co. of Omaha, Neb. All the incidents occurred on the same day at an organized event although the FDA's recall notice does not say where or when. The face paints included in the notice were distributed nationwide.

After testing the paints, the FDA found "significant microbial contamination" in a variety of colors. The paints were manufactured by Shanghai Color Art Stationery in Shanghai, China and are being voluntarily recalled by Fun Express Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Oriental Trading Co, a mail-order company.

As of this writing, there is no information about the recall on the Fun Express Web site although the paints are listed as "out of stock." Consumers can find the UPC numbers on the FDA notice. The agency is advising consumers to stop using the paints and either discard them or return them to the retailer.

The FDA is also encouraging consumers outside the affected cluster to report any other adverse reactions to face paints to the agency. Consumers can do so:

• Online at MedWatch.
• By calling 1-800-FDA-1088
• By sending the postage-paid FDA form 3500 to MedWatch, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787 or by faxing it to (800)-FDA-0178.