A YORKSHIRE Euro-MP is demanding action over body- piercing dangers.
Labour's David Bowe said there was a growing number of injuries and deaths.
He is calling for action to introduce minimum common standards for licensing across the European Union.
Mr Bowe said a Sheffield teenager's death from septicaemia after having his lip pierced showed that present controls were inadequate.
He added: "Body- piercing is regarded as part and parcel of fashion. But, unfortunately, it seems that, so far, legislation in this area is very weak.
"In the United Kingdom, for example, while councils have the power to regulate ear-piercing businesses, outside of London there are no similar controls for body-piercing establishments."
Customers needed to be given proper information about health dangers, said Mr Bowe.
"This is an issue on which the EU should act, because I suspect that very many young people probably have piercings carried out while they are on holiday abroad," he said.
"A comprehensive code, covering training standards, hygiene conditions and the need to check on clients' medical histories is needed," added Mr Bowe.
