Official press releases from Colgate-Palmolive

FDA Finds Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Mold in Tom's Silly Strawberry Toothpaste Production

Nov 20, 2024, 01:37 AM

An inspection by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at Tom's of Maine's manufacturing facility in Sanford, Maine, revealed that the brand's toothpaste, including the Silly Strawberry flavor, was produced with water contaminated with multiple strains of dangerous bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The facility also had a 'black mold-like substance' near production equipment. Despite these findings, the contaminated toothpaste was sold to consumers, according to a warning letter posted by the FDA. The Tom's division, owned by Colgate-Palmolive, accounts for less than 1% of the company's total annual revenue. The FDA's inspection also uncovered approximately 400 complaints related to the color, taste, and odor of the toothpaste.