Colgate refused to withdraw a banned toothpaste and ANMAT ordered its removal from the country

Colgate Total Clean Mint toothpaste was withdrawn from the Argentine market by direct order of ANMAT, following numerous reports of oral damage among consumers worldwide.

Although the product had already been withdrawn from Brazil after more than 11,000 adverse reports, Colgate-Palmolive Argentina resisted removing it from circulation. The refusal raised alarms within the national agency, which ultimately banned its marketing, distribution, and use throughout the country.

The company ignored the warnings

In Brazil, adverse effects began to appear shortly after the product's launch in July 2024. Burning, blisters, ulcers, inflammation, and pain were the most common symptoms.

Colgate-Palmolive opted for a voluntary recall of the product in that country. However, in Argentina, the local subsidiary not only ignored the regional situation but also refused to stop selling the toothpaste, despite receiving 19 reports from affected consumers.

ANMAT also received two direct complaints about adverse reactions, which were enough to trigger the alarms.

An ingredient that damages the oral mucosa

The technical investigation revealed that the symptoms were related to a flavoring ingredient in the product. According to ANMAT, this component altered the oral mucosa and affected the integrity of cell membranes.

Since this is a cosmetic product with no therapeutic effects, Argentine regulations are clear: side effects can't be tolerated under normal conditions of use.

In this context, provision 5126/25 formalized the ban in the Official Gazette, requiring the company to immediately withdraw the product from the national market.

Public health above commercial interests

ANMAT emphasized that the decision was made "in order to safeguard public health and prevent further risks." It also urged consumers to stop using the product and, in case of symptoms, to consult a dentist.

Additionally, it requested that any reaction be reported to the email address cosmeto.vigilancia@anmat.gob.ar, while it continues active monitoring of the case.

This episode exposes the seriousness of allowing a product to remain in circulation even after it has already been banned in other regions of the world. It also reinforces the responsibility of regulatory agencies to halt the spread of products that may endanger public health.