A US judge has ruled that two class-action lawsuits against Colgate-Palmolive can proceed, alleging the company misled parents into believing its fluoride mouthwash is safe for young children. The lawsuits claim the packaging and marketing of products such as Bubble Fruit and Silly Strawberry flavours suggest they are suitable for children under six, despite health warnings against such use.
US District Judge Andrea Wood in Chicago sided with the plaintiffs, noting that the prominent use of words like “kids” and “children’s” on packaging, along with child-friendly flavours, could mislead consumers. She rejected Colgate’s argument that the public would recognise mouthwash as an over-the-counter drug and check FDA warnings on the back label.
Michael Connett, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, said the rulings should serve as a wake-up call to manufacturers to stop promoting unsafe use of fluoride products. The judge dismissed a similar case against Colgate’s fluoride toothpaste lines, however, stating that the risks may be less obvious for mouthwash.
Colgate-Palmolive has been contacted for comment. The company recently agreed to redesign packaging for its toothpaste brands to resolve an investigation by the Texas Attorney General. Other firms, including Procter & Gamble, Perrigo, and Sanofi, have also faced lawsuits over fluoride product labelling.
The debate over fluoride safety continues, with Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr campaigning against its addition to drinking water, citing neurodevelopmental risks. However, the American Dental Association maintains that fluoride at prescribed levels is safe and effective in preventing tooth decay.
