Parents may want to take another look at the toothpaste sitting in their bathroom cabinets. The FDA has recalled more than 4.3 million tubes nationwide, including several children’s varieties featuring popular characters such as Barbie, Hot Wheels, and My Little Pony.
The nationwide recall affects 17 toothpaste products manufactured by Pritam International Private Limited, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
USA Today reported that the company voluntarily initiated the recall on Thursday, September 10, before federal regulators classified it as a Class II recall on Monday, October 19.
The affected products include children’s flavored toothpastes, whitening formulas, and varieties marketed for sensitive teeth.
Why Were More Than 4 Million Toothpaste Tubes Recalled?
Fox 5 reports that, according to the FDA’s enforcement report, the products were recalled because of “current good manufacturing practice deviations.”
These regulations establish standards for how products are manufactured, processed, tested, and packaged to ensure consistent quality.
Federal officials have not publicly specified which manufacturing requirements were violated or identified a particular contaminant.
The agency classified the recall as Class II, meaning affected products could cause temporary or medically reversible health problems, although the likelihood of serious consequences is considered remote.
The FDA has not reported any illnesses or injuries associated with the recalled toothpaste.
Which Toothpaste Brands Are Included in the FDA Recall?
The recall covers 4,301,700 tubes distributed nationwide by Ashtel Studios Inc., based in Ontario, California.
Here’s a checklist of the 17 toothpaste products included in the recall:
- Brush Buddies: Barbie, Bubble Gum Flavor
- Brush Buddies: Hot Wheels, Strawberry Flavor
- Brush Buddies: Crayola Silly Scents, Bubble Gum Flavor
- Brush Buddies: Crayola Silly Scents, Watermelon Flavor
- Brush Buddies: Crayola Silly Scents, Strawberry Flavor
- Brush Buddies: My Little Pony Scents, Bubble Gum Flavor
- Brush Buddies: Vanilla Ice Cream Flavored
- Brush Buddies: Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Flavored
- Brush Buddies: Cookies ‘n Cream Ice Cream Flavored
- Brush Buddies: Chocolate Ice Cream Flavored
- Brush Buddies: Whitening Anticavity Fluoride Toothpaste With Baking Soda
- Brush Buddies: Cavity Protection Anticavity Fluoride Toothpaste, Cool Mint
- Brush Buddies: Advanced Whitening Anticavity Toothpaste, Peppermint
- Evo: Advanced Whitening Anticavity Fluoride Toothpaste, Peppermint
- Evo: Sensitive Anticavity Fluoride Toothpaste, Sweet Mint
- ARU: Toothpaste, Gum Health, 9 Ingredients, Soothing Mint
- ARU: Toothpaste, Cavity Protection, 9 Ingredients, Cool Mint
Consumers can check the FDA’s official recall database for product details, lot numbers, and expiration dates to see whether their toothpaste is affected.
The recall also includes two evo products marketed for sensitive teeth and whitening, along with two ARU varieties designed for gum health and cavity protection.
Other affected items include mint-flavored anticavity toothpastes and multipacks.
Not every toothpaste sold under these brand names is necessarily included in the recall.
How to Check Whether Your Toothpaste Has Been Recalled?
Consumers should compare the product name, package size, lot number, and expiration date against the FDA’s official recall notice.
Affected products have expiration dates ranging from November 2026 through June 2028. The FDA’s online enforcement report lists the complete recall under event number 99849.
Parents should pay particular attention to children’s toothpaste featuring licensed cartoon characters and candy-inspired flavors.
The recall applies to specific products and batches, not every toothpaste sold nationwide.
What Should Consumers Do With Recalled Toothpaste?
Anyone with an affected product should stop using it and check the manufacturer’s or retailer’s instructions for returns, refunds, or replacements.
Consumers can contact the retailer or manufacturer for further guidance. Those who experience unusual symptoms after using a recalled product should consult a health care professional.
Although the FDA considers the risk of serious health consequences remote, consumers should not assume that a recalled product is safe simply because it looks or smells normal.
The recall remains listed in federal records, and consumers can review the latest information on the FDA’s website.
FDA Recalls 4.3 Million Toothpaste Tubes, Including Kids’ ‘Barbie’ and ‘Hot Wheels’ Flavors