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Attention shoppers: If you’ve purchased any toothpaste from Tom’s of Maine in recent years, you might be entitled to a cash settlement due to a proposed class-action lawsuit.
This legal action originated from a lawsuit filed in December 2025 against Tom’s of Maine and Colgate-Palmolive Company, its parent company. The suit follows concerns raised by federal regulators after a 2024 inspection of Tom’s manufacturing site in Maine. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration highlighted that several practices at the facility failed to align with the FDA’s Current Good Manufacturing Practices.
Notably, inspectors identified a “black mold-like substance” near a hose reel and behind a water storage tank. Additionally, they found “powder residues” close to a batch of Tom’s Silly Strawberry Anticavity toothpaste.
Upon review, the company determined that approximately 4,900 tubes of Tom’s toothpaste produced over a span of three years did not pose any safety threats to consumers.
Nevertheless, the lawsuit alleges that the company engaged in “deceptive and misleading business practices” concerning the way Tom’s toothpaste was manufactured, marketed, and sold.
While Colgate has denied the allegations, the company has agreed to a $2.9 million class action settlement.
Who qualifies for the settlement?
According to a settlement website, consumers who bought at least one Tom’s of Maine toothpaste product between Nov. 21, 2020, and March 6, 2026, can file a claim.
Unlike other settlements, all Tom’s of Maine toothpaste products purchased during the aforementioned time period qualify for reimbursement.
The settlement administrators say that every approved claim will result in monetary relief.
How will the settlement be paid?
This depends on whether you have proof that you bought Tom’s of Maine between Nov. 21, 2020, and March 6, 2026.
If you do have proof of purchase, like a receipt, you could receive a full refund of the amount you spent on the Tom’s products. The refunds, however, are capped at three products per claimant, according to the settlement site.
If you do not have proof of purchase, you can receive “the total of the average manufacturer’s suggested retail price for up to one” Tom’s toothpaste product.
Refunds could be reduced if there are more approved claims than funds in the settlement account. If there are excess funds, the administrators say they will be donated to Equal Justice Works, a nonprofit organization.
How do I file a claim?
If you believe you qualify, you can complete a claim form online or by printing it and mailing it in.
Acceptable proofs of purchase include receipts, invoices and loyalty records, the administrators note.
While completing the form, you will have to select your preferred payment method, which can include PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, or a physical check sent via mail.
Your deadline to file a claim is July 6, 2026.
When will I receive my payment?
It will likely be a while.
According to the settlement site, the settlement is still pending final approval, with a court hearing scheduled for Sept. 10, 2026. Payments cannot be disbursed until the settlement receives final approval, and appeals could further delay the process.