Argentina bans Colgate toothpaste over adverse reactions

Argentina’s National Administration of Drugs, Food and Medical Technology (ANMAT) has officially banned the use, distribution, and sale of Colgate Total Clean Mint Anticavity Toothpaste with Fluoride across the country. 

The decision, issued on July 22 via Provision 5126, orders an immediate market withdrawal of the product, manufactured and distributed by Colgate-Palmolive Argentina S.A., Caliber.Az reports, citing the Argentinian government.

The ban follows a surge in reported adverse reactions from consumers, including symptoms such as oral irritation, inflammation, blisters, mouth ulcers, burning, swelling, and pain. As of July 7, 2025, the company had recorded 19 adverse event reports in Argentina, while ANMAT’s cosmetovigilance unit received two additional cases by July 15.

Similar concerns arose in Brazil, where the same toothpaste formulation—produced in the same facility—has been linked to over 11,400 adverse event reports since its launch in July 2024. The Brazilian health authority ANVISA launched an investigation that culminated in a voluntary recall of the product by Colgate-Palmolive.

ANMAT’s move underscores the agency’s commitment to consumer safety, especially since these toothpaste products fall under the cosmetic category, which requires them to be safe under normal use without causing harmful effects.

Consumers who experience any negative reactions after using toothpaste are encouraged to report incidents to ANMAT through the official cosmetovigilance channels.

By Vugar Khalilov