Francesca Biagioli Health authorities across Latin America have issued alerts and bans on Colgate Total Clean Mint toothpaste following widespread reports of oral irritations.
Table of contents
A health alert has swept across Latin America as thousands of consumers report adverse reactions to Colgate Total Clean Mint toothpaste. Symptoms such as mouth ulcers, painful sores, and burning sensations in the mouth, tongue, and gums have been widely reported. Brazil has been the hardest hit, with the highest number of complaints.
The brazilian ban and colgate’s response
In March 2025, Brazil’s National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) issued a precautionary ban on Colgate Total Active Prevention Clean Mint, following numerous consumer complaints of significant oral symptoms. These symptoms have notably impacted individuals’ quality of life, with some requiring medical attention.
Investigations conducted in collaboration with Colgate-Palmolive revealed that the levels of flavoring agents in the Colgate Total Clean Mint Toothpaste (product codes NSOC29824-24CO and NSOC29819-24CO) were responsible for the adverse effects observed in a sensitive segment of the population.
In response to the investigation, Colgate-Palmolive announced in June 2025 the voluntary suspension of production and removal of the implicated toothpaste from the market. This decision was made as a precautionary measure to prevent further exposure to potential irritants or allergens present in the formula.
Regional reactions and warnings
Following Brazil’s alert, Argentina also banned the toothpaste after confirming that the formula matched the Brazilian version. Subsequently, other countries such as Venezuela, Paraguay, Uruguay, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic issued health alerts or imposed sales restrictions.
In Peru and Chile, while no formal ban was enacted, health authorities have advised consumers to be vigilant for any symptoms and to report them promptly.
In Colombia, the National Institute for Food and Drug Surveillance (INVIMA) has circulated a statement reiterating the recommendation to discontinue use of the toothpaste if adverse effects occur.
@Boyaca.gov
Colgate’s statement
Despite the recall, Colgate-Palmolive Company maintains that the product meets international quality and safety standards. However, the company has advised consumers to cease use if any suspicious symptoms arise and has initiated a voluntary replacement procedure.
No recall in the United States, but individual complaints surface
As of now, there have been no official recalls or widespread adverse reactions related to Colgate Total Clean Mint toothpaste in the United States. However, some individual reports of oral irritations have surfaced, but these have not led to any formal recall or action by the company.
Consumer advisory
Consumers are advised to be alert for the following symptoms:
- Pain in the mouth, tongue, gums, or lips
- Aphthous ulcers or small lesions on the oral mucosa
- Sores or lacerations in the oral cavity
- Burning or tingling sensations
- Swelling (edema) of the tongue, lips, or other areas of the mouth
Health authorities in the affected countries recommend:
- Immediate discontinuation of the product if any of the above symptoms occur
- Reporting adverse effects to the appropriate health authorities
- Inspection of retail stock by sellers, distributors, and pharmacies, with a mandate to cease sales of the product
