Tom's of Maine toothpaste was manufactured with water containing bacteria, while a “black mold-like substance” was found in the factory making the product, According to a warning letter from the US Food and Drug Administration.
Tom's Simply White Clean Mint toothpaste contains a germ called Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can cause blood and lung infections, the FDA letter, dated Nov. 5, said.
Colgate-Palmolive, which owns Tom's of Maine, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The FDA letter also mentioned another bacteria, Ralstonia insidiosa, which was found in the factory's water sources. Another product, Wicked Cool! The anticavity toothpaste was found to contain another type of bacteria, Paracoccus yeei, the letter said.
—This is a breaking story and will be updated.