Colgate's official message on banned toothpastes: What should those affected do?

Colgate -Palmolive has publicly acknowledged that cases of adverse effects have been reported in Argentina linked to the use of its "Colgate Total Active Prevention Clean Mint" toothpaste and has issued a response to customers who still have that toothpaste .

In recent hours, through an official statement, the company admitted that there were reports of "temporary irritation and swelling" associated with the product and offered consumers the option to replace the affected toothpaste with another of the same brand.

The warning comes after the National Administration of Drugs, Food, and Medical Technology (ANMAT) issued a ban on the product last week in a resolution published in the Official Gazette. The decision was followed by similar measures in countries such as Brazil, Uruguay, Chile, Paraguay, and the Dominican Republic.

In Argentina, there were about twenty reports of adverse effects, such as pain, burning, swelling, and canker sores, while in Brazil the number rose to more than 11,000 reports , according to health authorities.

Despite the official measure, Colgate - Palmolive downplayed the situation, referring to "a small number of people" affected in the country. Still, the company asserted that it is complying with ANMAT regulations, "although Colgate-Palmolive reaffirms the safety , quality, and efficacy of the product."

As part of its response, the company offered a channel for users to process the replacement of their toothpaste with another version of the brand. Consumers can visit www.colgatepalmolive.com.ar/contact-us to arrange the replacement of Colgate Total Prevention Clean Mint .

So far, there has been no information on whether the company is considering other compensation measures, nor whether ANMAT will consider additional sanctions in the context of this situation.