Colgate Class Action Lawsuit Claims Hello Kids Toothpastes Contain Dangerous Levels of Lead

Parents accuse Colgate of falsely advertising its kids toothpaste as natural and safe, despite alleged toxic metal contamination.

A class action lawsuit alleges that several Colgate children’s toothpaste products contain lead levels that are higher than U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) limits for commonly consumed items, sparking concerns about potential long-term health risks for children.

Lead is a toxic heavy metal that has been linked to serious neurological side effects, including memory issues, hypertension, reproductive problems and other concerns. In children, exposure to lead is especially dangerous, as it can interfere with brain development, leading to cognitive impairment, behavioral issues and long-term neurological disorders.

As a result, many health experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, have warned that no amount of lead is safe for children, noting that even low level exposures can cause symptoms like fatigue, muscle pain, constipation, tremors, trouble focusing and brain changes.

Despite the well documented risks of lead exposure, a number of baby food products have been found to contain dangerous levels of lead, arsenic, cadmium and other heavy metals, leading to numerous recalls.

These recalls have sparked a series of toxic baby food lawsuits against companies like Gerber, Beech-Nut and others, alleging that the manufacturers have failed to properly test their products or warn consumers about the risks of contamination, which could lead to an increase in diagnoses of autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among children.

A complaint (PDF) brought by Nathan Barton and Cynthia Fahrnkopf in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California on October 22, claims that various kids toothpastes manufactured by the Colgate-Palmolive Company also contain unhealthy levels of lead.

The lawsuit focuses on Colgate’s “hello kids” toothpaste line, including varieties such as Unicorn Sparkle, Dragon Dazzle, Magical Mermaid, Fresh Watermelon, Smiling Shark and Wild Strawberry. Independent laboratory testing commissioned by plaintiffs’ counsel reportedly found lead levels ranging from 236 to 658 parts per billion, which is more than six times higher than the FDA’s 100 ppb limit for lead in candy likely to be consumed by small children.

The complaint also warns that even when not swallowed, exposure to lead in toothpaste can pose serious health risks, since the oral tissues, particularly under the tongue and inside the cheeks, can absorb heavy metals directly into the bloodstream. Research cited in the lawsuit indicates daily exposure may allow lead to accumulate in the body over time, raising the risk of neurological harm.

According to the complaint, Colgate’s packaging and advertising are intentionally designed to appeal to children and parents, featuring bright imagery, animal characters, and flavors resembling candy and fruit. The labels also emphasize “natural flavor,” “no artificial sweeteners or dyes,” and other assurances that the products are a “no brainer” and “thoughtfully formulated,” which plaintiffs say mislead consumers into believing the toothpaste is safe and free of harmful substances.

Barton and Fahrnkopf each purchased the products for their young children in California, relying on those representations. They allege they would not have purchased the toothpaste had they known it contained lead and claim that Colgate continues to sell the products without disclosure.

“Unless Defendant is enjoined from continuing to misrepresent the Products in the future, Plaintiff and consumers will not be able to reasonably determine whether the lead in the Products has been addressed and remedied.”

— Nathan Barton and Cynthia Fahrnkopf v. Colgate-Palmolive Company

The lawsuit raises allegations of unfair and unlawful business acts and practices, deceptive advertising practices, and violation of the Consumer Legal Remedies Act.

Barton and Fahrnkopf are seeking class certification of their complaint for California consumers, restitution, disgorgement and damages exceeding $5 million, as well as an injunction barring Colgate from making misleading marketing claims and requiring the company to disclose the presence of heavy metals in its children’s toothpaste.

This is not the first time that a kids toothpaste brand has been accused of containing unhealthy levels of lead. Earlier this year, a Tom’s of Maine Natural Kids Toothpaste class action was filed over dangerous levels of lead and arsenic in those products. Tom’s of Maine is also owned by Colgate-Palmolive.

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