The company said it is working with the FDA to remedy issues found in the agency's May inspection, including an upgrade to its Sanford plant’s water system.

Summary

The FDA has issued a warning to Colgate-Palmolive, parent company of Tom’s of Maine, after finding bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Ralstonia insidiosa, in water used to manufacture toothpaste at its Sanford, Maine facility.

The May inspection also uncovered a black “mold-like” substance near production equipment and other sanitary violations.

The FDA criticized the company for releasing products despite contamination risks and demanded corrective action within 15 days.

Tom’s stated it is addressing the issues and upgrading its water system.