ICYMI: FDA Finds ‘Black Mold-Like Substance’ and Bacteria in Tom’s Of Maine Toothpaste
When trusted brands turn risky: the FDA uncovers bacteria and mold at Tom’s of Maine’s factory—could your toothpaste be putting you at risk? 🌐 #News #ChicagoIL #Illinois #Wellness
CHICAGO, IL – You want the best for your children. You buy organic, you choose natural products, and you teach them the importance of brushing their teeth. It’s the kind of care every parent in Chicago takes to ensure their kids stay healthy. But what happens when a trusted brand like Tom’s of Maine, known for its natural toothpaste, is found to be contaminated with harmful bacteria and a “black mold-like substance”? For many families, the latest FDA findings from the company’s Sanford, Maine facility raise serious questions about safety and what’s really in the products we use every day.
The findings have triggered an official warning to Tom’s parent company, Colgate-Palmolive, prompting questions about the safety standards at the plant that produces the popular toothpaste brand.
FDA Investigation Reveals Serious Contaminants
The FDA’s findings, detailed in a letter sent to Colgate-Palmolive on November 5, stem from a May 2024 inspection at the Sanford facility. Inspectors uncovered troubling results, including the presence of harmful bacteria in both water samples and finished products. Between June 2021 and October 2022, water samples tested positive for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium known to cause serious infections, particularly in the blood and lungs. This contaminated water was used in the production of Tom’s Simply White Clean Mint Paste and for cleaning equipment.
Further testing revealed additional bacteria, including Ralstonia insidiosa, which was found at water points of use, and Paracoccus yeei, identified in finished samples of Wicked Cool! Anticavity Toothpaste. These microorganisms can pose a risk to health, especially for those with weakened immune systems.
The FDA also reported the discovery of a “black mold-like substance” in multiple areas of the production facility. Inspectors noted that the company’s water system, which was installed in 2019, was not properly qualified and failed to meet necessary standards for pharmaceutical use.
Tom’s of Maine Responds to Findings
In response to the FDA’s warning, Tom’s of Maine, through its parent company Colgate-Palmolive, pushed back on the findings. The company argued that the contamination was the result of sample errors, not a systemic issue with the production process. In their letter to the FDA, Tom’s stated: “Your investigation concluded, without sufficient justification, that the growth was due to sample contamination. The batch was released based on retest results.”
Despite this defense, the FDA rejected the company’s explanation, asserting that the contamination was not sufficiently explained and needed further corrective action.
In addition to the bacterial contamination, the FDA flagged concerns about the overall condition of the Sanford facility. The agency emphasized that the building was not adequately maintained, calling out its failure to keep up with necessary repairs and improvements.
Company Moves to Address Issues and Ensure Safety
While the FDA has raised serious concerns, Colgate-Palmolive has committed to taking immediate action. The company issued a statement confirming that they had engaged water specialists to evaluate the water system at the Sanford plant. They also emphasized the ongoing upgrades to the facility’s water systems to bring them in line with FDA standards.
“We have always tested finished goods before they leave our control, and we remain fully confident in the safety and quality of the toothpaste we make,” the company said in its statement. Additionally, Colgate-Palmolive revealed plans for significant capital investments to upgrade the Sanford plant and ensure compliance with the necessary health and safety regulations moving forward.
RELATED TOPICS: Wellness | Maine
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