A best-selling toothpaste under the Colgate brand has been recalled from the Mexican market following consumer reports of adverse reactions, Mexico’s Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (Cofepris) reported on Monday.
Cofepris ordered Colgate-Palmolive to recall its Colgate Total Active Prevention Clean Mint Toothpaste from Mexico’s shelves immediately, and asked that consumers stop using the toothpaste and contact the company to return the product.
The commission’s warning responds to reports from an unspecified number of consumers of adverse reactions. Cofepris said symptoms included:
- Oral irritation
- Gum inflammation
- Oral pain
- Tooth sensitivity
- Ulcers, canker sores, or boils
- Allergic reaction
Cofepris recommended consulting a health care professional if any of those symptoms are experienced. It also noted that symptoms varied from person to person and did not specify which ingredient was causing the symptoms from the toothpaste, which is manufactured in Mexico.
“It is reported that the recall is limited exclusively to the Colgate Total Active Prevention Clean Mint Toothpaste,” Cofepris clarified in a statement.
In July, Argentina’s National Administration of Drugs, Food and Medical Technology banned the use, distribution and sale of Colgate Total Clean Mint in all presentations and sizes following reports of adverse reactions.
In addition, 11,441 adverse cases were reported in Brazil since the product’s launch in July 2024 to June 18, 2025, suggesting there could be a problem with the formula.
“The product marketed in Brazil shares the same qualitative and quantitative formula, origin, and manufacturing plant with the one marketed in Argentina,” the Argentine agency said about the toothpaste.
Cofepris said it will maintain surveillance to prevent producers, services or establishments from violating its decree. It also said it will inform the public if it identifies new evidence.
The commission provided its contact information for concerned consumers: farmacovigilancia@cofepris.gob.mx
With reports from El Financiero
Toxic Toothpaste. Yikes!
. . . dang . . . I just purchased Colgate from Chedraui and have the box beside me. Of course my second reaction tonight was to compare the photo in the article with my purchase. NOT the same! And the description in print also IS NOT THE SAME – the print label, the photo of the label and my purchased labeled toothpaste – all different . . . lions, tigers and bears, oh my
There used to be a bigger selection of toothpaste in this gringo area. I’ve noticed in recent months, there is nothing but Colgate. Many northerners here are not aware that these popular brands from the USA, like Colgate-Palmolive, Ajax and many others are manufactured here in MX without the environmental standards of the USA, which is not as strict as Europe. Meaning you can get some toxic ingredients. I don’t know what the answer is, just be careful of what you buy and use and try to find natural products without a lot of chemicals.