In a troubling revelation for Colgate-Palmolive and its popular Tom’s of Maine brand, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has flagged the company for using water contaminated with dangerous bacteria in the manufacturing process of its toothpaste. Federal regulators say the company failed to address the issue, which was first discovered years ago, putting both consumer safety and the company’s reputation on the line.

On Tuesday, the FDA issued a scathing letter to Colgate-Palmolive, accusing the company of negligence in managing the water used in its Sanford, Maine facility where Tom’s of Maine Simply White Clean Mint Paste is produced. According to the FDA, Pseudomonas aeruginosa—a dangerous, antibiotic-resistant bacteria—was found in the water between June 2021 and October 2022. This bacterium can cause severe infections, including pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and blood infections, posing a serious threat to consumers.

To make matters worse, the FDA also reported finding another harmful bacteria, Ralstonia insidiosa, in the water used for manufacturing. R. insidiosa can lead to respiratory tract infections and bloodstream infections, further raising concerns about the safety of the products coming out of Tom’s of Maine’s facility. Despite these findings, the FDA claims that the company failed to properly investigate the incidents or assess the impact on its products.

In its warning letter, the FDA called Colgate-Palmolive’s response to the contamination “inadequate,” demanding a “comprehensive assessment of the design and control of your firm’s manufacturing operations.” The FDA emphasized that water is a critical ingredient in many of Tom’s of Maine’s over-the-counter products, including its toothpaste, and that it is absolutely essential to maintain a water system that consistently meets the highest standards for pharmaceutical use.

For those who value natural and safe personal care products, Tom’s of Maine’s reputation as a champion of purity and “natural” ingredients has made this scandal particularly unsettling. The company has long been marketed as an alternative to chemical-laden products, offering toothpaste free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. However, the recent revelations cast doubt on the company’s commitment to consumer safety, with some questioning whether the brand’s commitment to “natural” standards has been compromised in its pursuit of mass production.

In response to the FDA’s concerns, a spokesperson for Tom’s of Maine assured the public that the company is “working with the FDA” to resolve the issues raised in the warning letter. The spokesperson emphasized that Tom’s of Maine has always tested its finished products for safety before they leave the facility, and that no contaminated toothpaste has made it to market. To further assure consumers, the company stated that it has already engaged water specialists to evaluate its systems and implemented additional safeguards to comply with FDA regulations.

Despite these assurances, the damage to the brand’s reputation may have already been done. Tom’s of Maine has long prided itself on its commitment to natural products, but with contaminated water used in its production process, the question arises: how much of that commitment is truly being upheld in its day-to-day operations?

While Tom’s of Maine claims it is making significant upgrades to its water system and working to resolve the issue, the public remains skeptical. This incident serves as a stark reminder that even brands promoting themselves as “natural” and “safe” must maintain the highest standards of safety and transparency.

As this story continues to develop, consumers will be watching closely to see if Colgate-Palmolive takes the necessary steps to restore trust and ensure that Tom’s of Maine products are truly safe to use.