What Really Happened With the Tom's of Maine Toothpaste Situation

You’ve likely seen the headlines or maybe a frantic post in a Facebook group about a Tom's of Maine toothpaste recall. It’s the kind of news that makes you look twice at the tube sitting on your bathroom sink. Especially if you’re someone who pays the "natural premium" specifically to avoid weird chemicals.

But here’s the thing that’s confusing everyone: technically, there wasn't a massive, nationwide consumer recall of every tube of Tom's.

Instead, we got a "Warning Letter" from the FDA that read like a script from a hygiene nightmare. Bacteria in the water. Black mold on the walls. It’s a mess. Honestly, the gap between the brand’s "natural and pure" image and what the FDA inspectors actually found at their Sanford, Maine plant is pretty jarring.

The Bacteria Breakdown: What Was Actually in the Tubes?

When the FDA showed up for their inspection in May 2024, they didn't just find a little dust. They found specific, nasty microbes in the water used to make the toothpaste and—more importantly—to rinse the equipment.

We're talking about Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This isn't just a "germ." It’s a hardy bacteria that’s notorious for causing blood and lung infections. If you have a compromised immune system, it’s a serious threat. According to the FDA’s November 2024 letter, this bacteria was detected in water used for Tom’s Simply White Clean Mint Paste and in the final rinse of several other cleaning processes.

Then there’s Ralstonia insidiosa. It sounds like a character from a sci-fi flick, but it's a waterborne bacteria that shows up in hospital-acquired infections. The FDA found it at multiple "water points of use" throughout the factory.

👉 See also: Core Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Weight Set: Why These Specific Weights Are Still Topping the Charts

Finally, the one that really gets people: Paracoccus yeei. This was actually found in a finished batch of Wicked Cool! Anticavity Toothpaste, which is a product marketed directly to kids. This specific bug is linked to things like pinkeye (conjunctivitis) and even peritonitis.

The company’s response at the time? They basically told the FDA it was "sample contamination." The FDA, in a very rare public display of corporate sass, basically said: No, it wasn't. You don't have the proof for that.

Mold Behind the Tanks: The Facility Inspection

The most visual part of the report involves a "black mold-like substance."

Inspectors found it at the base of a hose reel and behind a water storage tank. Now, I’ve seen some basement mold in my time, but the FDA noted this was within one foot of stainless-steel pails and other equipment used to actually make the toothpaste.

It gets weirder.

✨ Don't miss: Why Doing Leg Lifts on a Pull Up Bar is Harder Than You Think

The FDA also flagged that Tom's of Maine (which is owned by Colgate-Palmolive) received about 400 complaints from customers about the smell, color, and taste of their toothpaste. These included products for children. According to the report, the company didn't even investigate these because their internal rules said they only had to investigate if they saw a "trend."

400 people saying their toothpaste tastes like a swamp feels like a trend to most of us.

Wait, So Is There a Recall or Not?

As of early 2026, there hasn't been a full-scale mandatory recall of every tube. Tom’s of Maine has consistently maintained that they test every batch before it leaves the factory and that they are "fully confident" in the safety of what’s currently on shelves.

However, the lack of an official "recall" label hasn't stopped the legal fallout. In late 2024 and throughout 2025, several class-action lawsuits were filed. Consumers in New York, California, and Florida are essentially arguing that they paid for "natural, safe" products but got "adulterated" ones instead.

If you have a tube of Simply White Clean Mint or Wicked Cool! from late 2024, you're probably wondering if you should toss it.

🔗 Read more: Why That Reddit Blackhead on Nose That Won’t Pop Might Not Actually Be a Blackhead

Honestly? Most experts suggest that if you're healthy, the risk is low, but for kids or the immunocompromised, why risk it? The FDA's stance is that the products were "adulterated" because the manufacturing didn't follow "Current Good Manufacturing Practice" (CGMP).

What Most People Get Wrong About "Natural" Brands

This whole situation highlights a massive misconception: that "natural" means "unregulated" or "simpler."

Toothpaste with fluoride is technically an Over-the-Counter (OTC) drug in the eyes of the FDA. That means the factory has to meet the same pharmaceutical-grade cleanliness standards as a place making aspirin or blood pressure meds.

Tom's of Maine got caught in the middle. They sell a "natural" lifestyle, but they operate under big-pharma regulations. When you see a Tom's toothpaste recall headline, it’s usually not about the ingredients being "bad"—it’s about the factory being dirty.

What You Should Do Right Now

If you have Tom's of Maine products in your drawer, here is the move:

• Check the Label: If it’s Wicked Cool! or Simply White Clean Mint, check for any weird odors or "off" colors. If it smells like a wet basement, toss it immediately.
• Monitor for Symptoms: If you or your kids have used these and developed unexplained rashes, eye irritation, or respiratory issues, talk to a doctor and mention the FDA warning.
• Keep Your Receipts: If you’re the type to join class-action suits, keep your proof of purchase. Lawsuits like Rabinowitz v. Tom's of Maine Inc. are still winding through the courts.
• Look for the Seal: If you’re switching brands, look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance. It’s not a perfect guarantee, but it means the product has been vetted for both safety and efficacy.

Ultimately, the company says they’ve fixed the water system and cleaned up the mold. They’ve hired "water specialists" and implemented new safeguards. But for many, the "natural" trust is broken.

Stop using any tube that smells unusual or has a gritty, off-color texture, regardless of the brand.