Sued for Failing to Disclose Dangerous Levels of Heavy Metals in Colgate-Owned Toothpaste

Yesterday, according to report, Colgate-Palmolive and its subsidiaries, Tom’s of Maine and Hello Products, are facing multiple class action lawsuits alleging that several of their toothpaste products contain dangerous levels of heavy metals, including lead, arsenic, and mercury, despite being marketed as safe and thoroughly tested.

In the latest complaint, plaintiff Walter Triesch claims Colgate and Tom’s of Maine misled consumers by promoting products such as Tom’s of Maine Silly Strawberry Fluoride-Free Toothpaste and Colgate Total Active Prevention Whitening Toothpaste as safe and free from harmful ingredients, while independent testing allegedly detected 240 parts per billion (ppb) of lead in Silly Strawberry and 539 ppb in Total Active—far exceeding public health safety thresholds. Triesch argues that the companies had the resources to test for and eliminate heavy metals but failed to do so, depriving consumers of informed choices and leading them to overpay for contaminated products. He seeks to represent a nationwide class, including a New York subclass, and is pursuing damages, declaratory relief, and a jury trial.

Hello Products LLC, another Colgate subsidiary, is also being sued. Plaintiff Damany Browne alleges that certain Hello toothpaste variants, including Hello Kids Dragon Dazzle Fluoride Toothpaste and Hello Kids Fluoride Free Toothpaste Fresh Watermelon, contained lead levels of up to 493 ppb and mercury levels of up to 19 ppb—far surpassing U.S. Environmental Protection Agency limits for drinking water (15 ppb for lead and 2 ppb for mercury). The lawsuit claims the company failed to warn consumers despite knowing, or having reason to know, of the contamination risks. Browne is seeking class certification, damages, and a jury trial on behalf of New York consumers.

These lawsuits follow earlier legal actions against Colgate and Tom’s of Maine over alleged contamination in children’s toothpaste and claims that other products, including Hello Kids Fluoride Rinse, are unsafe for young children. The growing litigation underscores mounting scrutiny over the safety and transparency of oral care products marketed for both adults and children.