Product recall - Reminder - ToothFaerie toothpaste range

Notice type: Recall

Date: 15/12/2023

In February 2023, the HPRA and the HSE advised members of the public of a recall of the ToothFaerie brand of toothpaste products. The toothpastes were considered unsafe and did not comply with European Cosmetics Regulations. Consumers were advised to stop using the products immediately.

There were several safety concerns with these products:

• The products listed the ingredient sodium tetraborate (borax) which is prohibited from use in cosmetic products as it can cause damage to the reproductive system which may affect fertility.
• After testing, one batch was found to contain lead which should not be used in cosmetics as it can damage fertility or an unborn child and can cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure.
• There were some batches of product that were found to have microbial contamination at levels which may cause infection or irritation.
• The HPRA received no assurance that a Cosmetic Product Safety Report had been carried out for the products in question which is legal requirement for all cosmetics on the Irish market to protect consumers.
• There were unfounded medical claims made in the product advertising material.

As the manufacturer has not informed us that the products have been amended to comply with the legal requirements, these products are still considered non-complaint and unsafe. As such, the recall of these ToothFaerie brand of toothpaste products is still applicable.

Despite the instruction issued, we are aware that these products may again be available to Irish consumers at local events such as craft fairs, markets, and festivals or by emailing the seller directly.

We previously issued a product recall notice and product safety notice on these products on 23 February 2023 and 31 January 2023 respectively.

Advice for consumers

If you purchased one of these products, please stop using it immediately. If you have any medical concerns, please consult with your GP.

Advice for retailers

If you are a retailer and have any of the below named products in stock, please quarantine the stock from sale and contact the HPRA at cosmetics@hpra.ie.

Advice for organisers of local events such as craft fairs, markets, and festivals

If you are the organiser of such local event(s) and are aware that these products were recently for sale at your event, please contact the HPRA at cosmetics@hpra.ie.