Is My Toothpaste Recalled? A practical guide to Brush Buddies, Crayola, Evo, and ARU tubes

Why this recall happened and what it means for safety

The FDA announced a voluntary recall of more than 4.3 million tubes distributed nationwide because of CGMP deviations. CGMPs are federal standards designed to ensure products are made consistently and safely; a deviation means the manufacturing process did not meet requirements, not necessarily that the toothpaste is harmful. The recall began on September 10, led by Pritam International Private Limited (an India-based manufacturer), and the FDA classified it as a Class II recall on October 19. Some reports indicate the timing was updated to October 22; the FDA enforcement notice should be consulted for the exact timeline and classification. Importantly, the FDA did not disclose the specific deviations that triggered the recall and directed questions on those details to the company, so the specific defect is not publicly defined in the agency’s notice. This means readers should treat the risk as precautionary and rely on verification steps rather than assuming a known health threat.

Many of the affected tubes were marketed to children, and the recall includes products from Brush Buddies, Crayola, Hot Wheels and My Little Pony, among others. Flavors cited include bubble gum, strawberry, watermelon, peppermint, sweet mint, and cool mint. Expiration dates span from November 2026 through June 2028. The products were distributed nationwide by Ashtel Studios Inc. of Ontario, California. While illnesses have not been reported, the magnitude of the recall means families should act promptly to confirm whether their tube is affected and then switch to a safe alternative if needed.

Which toothpaste products were recalled?

The recall comprises 17 recalled SKUs across Brush Buddies, Evo, and ARU lines, with specific flavors and sizes. Review the list below to see if your tube matches any recalled item. For full UPCs and lot codes, consult the FDA enforcement notice linked later in this article.

A complete list of lot codes and expiration dates is available via the FDA enforcement notice. For precise UPCs, lot codes, and expiration dates, refer to that notice.

Notes: The enforcement notice and coverage also reference that distribution covered nationwide channels through Ashtel Studios, with some coverage noting online marketplaces as distribution paths in some reports. Always verify against the official FDA notice for your specific tube.

How to verify your tube against the FDA recall notice

Start with the brand, then check the lot number and expiration date printed on the tube. If the combination matches any item in the official recall list, discard the tube and switch to a safe alternative. The FDA notice provides exact lot-code and expiration-date match criteria, so use those details to confirm inclusion. If you’re unsure, consider contacting your dentist or physician for guidance on use and replacement during a recall pressure period.

Because the recall spans multiple brands and flavors, a quick brand-to-lot-to-expiration check is essential before assuming safety. The FDA notice is the authoritative source for matching each tube to a specific recall entry.

What to do if you have any of the recalled products

The FDA’s recall notice does not publish consumer-specific instructions, and neither the manufacturer nor the distributor has issued formal guidance on refunds or returns. Until guidance exists, the safest course is to stop using the recalled toothpaste immediately and discard it if it matches an item on the recall list with a matching lot number or expiration date. Save the receipt or take a photo of the packaging before discarding, in case a refund program is announced later. If you experience concerns after use, consult your dentist or physician promptly.

Because some reports indicate online marketplaces were involved in distribution, buyers who purchased via retailers or online marketplaces should check their order history or messages with the seller for potential refunds or replacements as information becomes available.

Safe, non-recalled alternatives for kids and adults

For families seeking non-recalled options, availability and current recall status should be verified at the time of purchase. Notable non-recalled options include ADA-approved products with fluoride and kid-friendly flavors. Examples that have been highlighted in coverage include Hello brand kids’ toothpaste with fruity flavors and ADA Seal, a Hello formulation described as visually appealing to children, and a Hello variety pack that lets kids sample different flavors. For adults, Crest Pro-Health Advanced is a well-known option that provides antibacterial fluoride protection, whitening, and gum care. When selecting replacements, confirm that the chosen product has the ADA Seal of Acceptance and is not listed in the recall list at publication time.

Specific named examples to consider (verify current availability and recall status): Hello Kids Toothpaste (ADA-accepted, fluoride; suitable for ages 2 and up with adult supervision); Hello Kids’ Sparkly Blue formula (ADA-accepted); Hello Variety Pack (assorted Hello flavors); Crest Pro-Health Advanced (adult toothpaste with fluoride and whitening). Always double-check ADA status and absence from the recall list before purchasing.

Where the recalled products were sold

Reports indicate the recalls covered nationwide distribution by Ashtel Studios Inc. in Ontario, California, and included a range of kid-focused flavors and character-branded lines as well as Evo and ARU products. Some outlets also note that online marketplaces such as Amazon and eBay were involved in the broader distribution context. If you purchased from a marketplace or a retailer, check your order history or contact the seller or retailer for refunds or replacements as information becomes available.

Why this matters for families

CGMP deviations can affect product quality and safety, even if no illnesses have been reported in this recall. Experts like Darin Detwiler explain that deviations can compromise manufacturing integrity and lead to issues such as microbial contamination, product instability, or the inclusion of harmful ingredients. While the FDA has not disclosed the precise deviations in this case, understanding that this was a manufacturing quality issue—and not a confirmed health threat—helps parents balance caution with practical brushing needs.

Key sources and official notices

For the most authoritative details, consult the FDA enforcement report cited here. It contains the official list of affected products, lot numbers, expiration dates, and distribution details. As you review, verify each tube against the listed entries to determine recall status. If you would like to see contemporary reporting on the recall, NBC5 and Consumer Reports have published coverage listing the 17 recalled SKUs and related context. See also coverage noting online marketplaces as distribution channels and expert commentary on CGMP deviations. If you need further context, you can access FDA guidance and enforcement notices through the FDA’s official site.

FDA enforcement report (official recall details, including UPCs, lot codes, and expiration dates).