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Tom’s of Maine is a personal care brand well
known for its use of natural ingredients.
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Though a recent FDA report has identified some
very undesirable contents they say are in the
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company’s products.
The FDA sent a warning letter dated November
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5th, detailing data that suggests some of Tom’s
toothpastes were contaminated with bacteria.
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A discovery that the FDA based on reported
internal testing as well as an agency
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inspection in May of the company’s
manufacturing plant in Sanford Maine.
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Specifically the FDA points to several of Tom’s
toothpaste formulas where they say water used
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for processing contains multiple types of
bacteria, including those linked to infections
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of the blood lungs and eyes.
The letter contains a very detailed breakdown
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of Tom’s failures.
And besides the bacteria,
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they report that an investigator observed a
black mold like substance at the base of the
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hose reel that was just a foot away from
equipment that made contact with end products.
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This and other observations led the FDA to
conclude that the company did not keep its
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plant in a good state of repair.
The FDA notes that since water is a major
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ingredient in many of Tom’s over the counter
products.
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It is essential that the company employ a water
system that is robustly designed and that Toms
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effectively control, maintain and monitor the
system to ensure it consistently produces water
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suitable for pharmaceutical use.
The company has the opportunity to respond to
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the issues by way of remedy.
The company owned by Colgate Palmolive since
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2006 has blamed the presence of certain
bacteria on a laboratory error though the FDA
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rejects that contention, saying the initial
investigation stated no laboratory errors were
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identified.
Tom submitted a statement CBS news saying quote,
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we have always tested finished goods before
they leave our control and we remain fully
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confident in the safety and quality of the
toothpaste.
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We make the firm added that it has engaged
water specialists to evaluate our systems at
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Sanford have implemented additional safeguards
to ensure compliance with FDA standards and our
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water testing shows no issues.
CBS News said the company added that it is
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making capital investments to upgrade the
plant’s water system,
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Amanda.
Well, this is manufacturing now.