Brush Buddies Recall: Is Your Toothpaste Affected—and What to Do Next

Scope, cause, and what the recall means

The recall encompasses more than 4.3 million tubes, including several brands sold under licensed character names (such as Barbie, Hot Wheels, Crayola, and My Little Pony) as well as a subset of Evo and ARU branded products. The recall was initiated by Pritam International Private Limited and distributed nationwide by Ashtel Studios Inc., based in Ontario, California. The FDA notes the reason for the recall as CGMP deviations, meaning the manufacturing process did not meet established federal standards designed to ensure products are made consistently and safely. This does not necessarily imply the toothpaste is harmful, but it does mean the production process did not conform to required controls.

In official terms, a Class II recall indicates that exposure to the product could cause temporary or medically reversible health effects, and the probability of serious harm is considered remote. The FDA’s enforcement notice does not report illnesses or injuries linked to the recalled toothpaste. A point readers should understand: the FDA has not publicly detailed the specific CGMP deviations, and questions about those details have been directed to the manufacturer.

Expiration dates associated with the affected tubes extend through mid-2028, so some recalled toothpaste may already be in households. The recall notice provides the exact identifiers you’ll need to verify whether your tube is affected. To find precise product identification, consult the FDA recall page for the full list of products, which includes lot numbers and expiration dates for each item.

Which toothpaste products were recalled

The recall covers 17 specific products across the Brush Buddies, Evo, and ARU lines. Below are the items named in the recall, listed with brand, variant, flavor, and size where provided:

• Brush Buddies Barbie Anticavity Toothpaste, Bubble Gum flavor, 4 oz
• Brush Buddies Hot Wheels Anticavity Toothpaste, Strawberry flavor, 4 oz
• Brush Buddies Crayola Silly Scents Anticavity Toothpaste, Bubble Gum flavor, 4 oz
• Brush Buddies Crayola Silly Scents Anticavity Toothpaste, Watermelon flavor, 4 oz
• Brush Buddies Crayola Silly Scents Anticavity Toothpaste, Strawberry flavor, 4 oz
• Brush Buddies My Little Pony Anticavity Toothpaste, Bubble Gum flavor, 4 oz
• Brush Buddies Vanilla Ice Cream Anticavity Toothpaste, 3.5 oz
• Brush Buddies Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Anticavity Toothpaste, 3.5 oz
• Brush Buddies Cookies ’n Cream Ice Cream Anticavity Toothpaste, 3.5 oz
• Brush Buddies Chocolate Ice Cream Anticavity Toothpaste, 3.5 oz
• Brush Buddies Whitening Anticavity Toothpaste with Baking Soda, Cool Mint flavor, 3.5 oz
• Brush Buddies Cavity Protection Anticavity Toothpaste, Cool Mint, two 3.5 oz tubes
• Brush Buddies Advanced Whitening Anticavity Toothpaste, Peppermint, 3.5 oz
• Evo Advanced Whitening Anticavity Toothpaste, Peppermint, 3.5 oz
• Evo Sensitive Anticavity Toothpaste, Sweet Mint, 3.5 oz
• ARU Gum Health Toothpaste, Soothing Mint, 3.5 oz
• ARU Cavity Protection Toothpaste, Cool Mint, 3.5 oz

For exact SKU formats, lot numbers, and expiration dates, consult the FDA’s published recall notice. The FDA’s list includes UPCs and other identifiers that help you verify your product precisely.

How to identify whether your toothpaste is recalled

Begin by locating the brand and product on the tube and matching it to the recall list above. Check the size (3.5 oz, 4 oz, or two-pack of 3.5 oz), flavor where specified, and any lot or batch numbers printed on the tube. The official FDA notice provides the exact lot numbers and expiration dates for each recalled product, so reviewing that list is essential for certainty.

Because the recall includes multiple flavors and formats, a precise match is required to determine recall status. Additionally, the recall note indicates expiration dates can extend into mid-2028, which broadens the window for identifying affected tubes in homes.

Readers should also be aware that the FDA’s recall notice lists UPC codes, lot numbers, and expiration dates for each product. Checking these identifiers against the FDA list is the most reliable way to verify status.

What to do right now

First, stop using any toothpaste that appears on the recall list. The safest immediate action is to discard recalled tubes. Do not rely on a forthcoming refund or returns process before discarding the product, because there is no public, official consumer guidance on refunds yet.

Because the FDA notice does not include consumer-specific return instructions, you should contact the retailer or manufacturer for information about refunds. It may be helpful to keep a receipt or take a photo of the packaging before discarding, in case any refund program is announced later. If you or your child used the recalled toothpaste and you have concerns, consult a dentist or physician promptly.

Since expiration dates extend into mid-2028, some recalled tubes may already be in households. With that in mind, check your medicine cabinet now and identify any tubes that match the recall identifiers.

Replacement toothpaste guidance

Because families need reliable options to maintain brushing routines, consider ADA-accepted replacements that have not been recalled. Two specific ADA-approved choices highlighted in consumer coverage are Hello Kids Fluoride Toothpaste and Crest Pro-Health Advanced. Both have been noted as reliable replacements not included in this recall. If you choose other ADA-approved products, ensure they are not part of this recall by verifying against the FDA list.

Additional context consumers should know

Fluoride anticavity toothpaste is regulated as an over-the-counter (OTC) drug, which is why CGMP controls apply so stringently. The FDA has not publicly detailed the specific CGMP deviations that triggered the recall, and questions about those deviations have been directed to the manufacturer. In the FDA notice, UPCs, lot numbers, and expiration dates are listed for each product, which helps consumers verify their items beyond flavor or brand.

For readers seeking verification, the FDA recall notice remains the authoritative resource. It consolidates the affected products and provides official identifiers you can cross-check against your toothpaste packaging.

Notes on dates and classifications

The recall was initiated on September 10 and classified as a Class II recall on October 19. Some reports have noted a later update (October 22) regarding certification, which can create ambiguity about the exact dates. Readers should treat the September 10 initiation date and the October 19 classification as the primary, confirmed dates, while recognizing that enforcement updates may appear subsequently. The recall notice also states that the recall involvesCGMP deviations, with the FDA directing further questions to the manufacturer for more detail.

Frequently asked practical questions

Q: Should I expect refunds or returns to be processed automatically? A: Not yet. The FDA recall notice does not include consumer return instructions, and neither the manufacturer nor the distributor has issued public guidance on refunds. For refunds, contact the retailer or manufacturer directly. Keep receipts or take photos in case a refund program is announced later. Q: Are there any health risks I should worry about? A: There have been no illnesses or injuries reported to date. The recall is based on CGMP deviations, not evidence of harm from the toothpaste itself. If you used the product and feel unwell, contact a medical professional. Q: What should I do with tubes that aren’t recalled but look similar? A: Use only toothpaste that is not on the recall list and verify status using the FDA notice before using any product you’re unsure about.

Official resources

For the most authoritative information, consult the FDA recall page, which lists the full set of affected products with precise identifiers (UPC Codes, lot numbers, and expiration dates). If you need a quick reference to replacements not included in the recall, the ADA’s Seal of Acceptance guidelines can help you identify ADA-approved options for your family.

Note: The recall notice covers 17 products from Brush Buddies, Evo, and ARU brands, with expiration dates ranging through mid-2028 and distributed by Ashtel Studios Inc. The recall is categorized as CGMP Deviations, reflecting manufacturing-process concerns rather than direct harm from the product contents.