More than 4.3 million tubes of fluoride toothpaste — many of them kid-themed, in flavors like bubble gum, strawberry and watermelon — have been voluntarily recalled nationwide after the Food and Drug Administration flagged manufacturing problems at the facility that made them.
The recall covers several brands sold under licensed character names, along with a handful of lesser-known labels, and includes tubes with expiration dates stretching into mid-2028, meaning some of the affected toothpaste could be sitting in your medicine cabinet right now.
No illnesses or injuries have been reported. Still, the FDA says families should check lot numbers and expiration dates to see whether their toothpaste is part of the recall. Below, I break down exactly which products are affected, how to tell if you have one and what to do next.
Why were more than 4 million tubes of toothpaste recalled?
The FDA announced the recall of more than 4.3 million tubes of fluoride toothpaste distributed nationwide because of current good manufacturing practice deviations. Those are federal standards meant to ensure products are made consistently and safely, so a deviation means the manufacturing process didn’t meet requirements, not necessarily that the toothpaste itself is harmful.
The voluntary recall was initiated on September 10 by Pritam International Private Limited, an India-based manufacturer, and the FDA classified it as Class II recall on October 19. A Class II recall is for products that could cause temporary or medically reversible health problems, where the chance of serious harm is considered unlikely. The FDA notice did not report any illnesses or injuries linked to the recalled toothpaste.
Many of the affected tubes were marketed to kids. The recalled products include toothpaste sold under the Brush Buddies, Crayola, Hot Wheels and My Little Pony brands, in flavors such as bubble gum, strawberry, watermelon, peppermint, sweet mint and cool mint. They were distributed by Ashtel Studios Inc. of Ontario, California, and come in 3.5-ounce and 4-ounce tubes, plus a two-pack of 3.5-ounce tubes.
Affected products carry expiration dates from November 2026 through June 2028, and consumers should check the lot numbers and expiration dates on the FDA’s recall notice to see whether theirs is included.
What to do if you have the recalled toothpaste
The FDA’s recall notice doesn’t include specific instructions for consumers, and neither the manufacturer nor the distributor has issued public guidance on returns or refunds. Until they do, the safest move is to stop using the toothpaste immediately and toss it out. Start by checking the brand, lot number and expiration date on your tube against the FDA’s recall notice; if it matches, discard it and switch to a different fluoride toothpaste so your family’s brushing routine isn’t interrupted.
Hang on to your receipt or take a photo of the packaging before tossing it, in case a refund process is announced later. No illnesses or injuries have been reported, but if you or your child used the product and have any concerns, you should contact your dentist or doctor immediately.
Other toothpastes to use instead
The below toothpastes were not recalled and have at least a four-star average rating from thousands of customers.
My kids absolutely love this toothpaste — in fact, it is the only one they will use. The fruity flavor makes brushing less of a chore, while fluoride fights cavities and calcium and silica gently clean teeth. It’s approved by the American Dental Association (ADA), free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, and suitable for children ages 2 and up.
This toothpaste’s bright blue, sparkly color will delight kids. Plus, the fluoride formula fights cavities while staying gentle on enamel, and it carries the ADA Seal of Acceptance. It is suitable for children ages 2 and up, with adult supervision.
If you can’t decide on which hello kids’ flavor your little one will love, grab this variety pack that lets them sample all three and pick a favorite. Each toothpaste comes in a brightly colored tube with an easy flip cap that sits flat when closed, so it stands neatly on the bathroom counter.
If you had one of the adult toothpastes in the recall, Crest Pro-Health Advanced is a reliable replacement from a brand you already know. It’s an antibacterial fluoride toothpaste that fights plaque bacteria and supports healthy gums. It also helps whiten teeth and strengthen enamel.
Why trust NBC Selected?
I am a commerce editor at NBC Selected and a journalist who regularly covers wellness and lifestyle, among other topics. I have also written about the cyclosporiasis outbreak and the recent recall on eggs.
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