Mexican health authorities recall a popular Colgate toothpaste

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. 

hand holding toothpaste tube
Other Latin American countries besides Mexico are having problems with Colgate’s Total product, including Brazil and Argentina. (Shutterstock)

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

3 COMMENTS

Have something to say? Paid Subscribers get all access to make & read comments.

300-kg crocodile alarms bathers at Puerto Escondido’s Bacocho Beach

0
The croc may have been wandering after being displaced from its usual home, a phenomenon that has led to increasing out-of-place crocodile spottings along the Jalisco and Oaxaca coasts.

Sheinbaum again dismisses UN disappearances report as attack on the government of Mexico

2
President Sheinbaum on Tuesday reiterated and expanded her criticisms of the UN's Committee on Enforced Disappearances' report, which asserts the practice is still occurring from within the government.

Border BioBlitz is back! Here’s how you can help document biodiversity in the borderlands

0
Past editions have documented rare or little-known plants, such as Tecate cypress and carpets of common goldfields growing right up against a portion of border wall.
BETA Version - Powered by Perplexity