Core Viewpoint - Several countries in Latin America, including Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and Mexico, have banned the sale of Colgate's toothpaste due to potential adverse reactions such as gum swelling [2] Group 1: Product and Regulatory Issues - Colgate's product "Colgate Total Advanced Protection Clean Mint" is not sold in mainland China, and the company is withdrawing it from retail stores in Latin America but will not initiate a consumer recall [2] - The Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency indicated that consumer discomfort may be related to stannous fluoride in the toothpaste, which has antibacterial and anti-cavity properties [2][3] - Stannous fluoride is a type of fluoride that can be used in toothpaste, but regulations require it to be added in limited quantities, with a maximum concentration of 0.15% [3] Group 2: Financial Performance - Colgate-Palmolive's net sales for the first half of the year decreased by 1.02% to $10.021 billion, while net profit increased by 1.34% to $1.433 billion [3] - Latin America is the largest revenue market for Colgate, accounting for 23% of revenue and 33% of operating profit in the first half of 2025 [3]

Core Viewpoint - Colgate's toothpaste has been banned in Mexico and several Latin American countries due to reports of adverse reactions such as gum swelling and oral pain [1][2][3][4][5]. Group 1: Product Recall and Consumer Safety - The Mexican Federal Health Risk Protection Committee announced a recall of "Colgate Total Prevención Activa Clean Mint" toothpaste, advising consumers to stop using it due to potential adverse effects [2]. - Reports indicate that the toothpaste may cause symptoms including oral irritation, gum swelling, and allergic reactions [2][3]. - Colgate-Palmolive has issued an apology and stated that all its products comply with local health regulations, emphasizing the safety and quality of its products [1][5]. Group 2: Regional Impact and Regulatory Actions - The toothpaste has been banned in Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia, with Brazil's health authority citing a higher incidence of adverse reactions linked to the product's formulation [3][4]. - In Argentina, 19 adverse event reports were received, while Brazil reported 11,441 cases since the product's launch in July 2024 [4]. - Colombia's health authority identified harmful fragrances in the toothpaste, leading to its ban [5]. Group 3: Financial Performance and Market Position - Colgate-Palmolive reported a 1.02% decline in net sales to $10.021 billion in the first half of 2025, with Latin America being the largest revenue market, accounting for 23% of total revenue [7]. - The company's gross margin slightly increased to 60.4%, while operating profit from Latin America represented 33% of the total [7]. - The Asia-Pacific region saw a 2.13% decline in revenue, indicating challenges in maintaining market share [7].