The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has found a poisonous chemical, diethylene glycol (DEG), in certain toothpastes imported from China. DEG is used in antifreeze and as a solvent. The agency increased its scrutiny and testing of imported toothpaste and dental products after receiving reports in late May 2007 of contaminated Chinese dental products found in several countries, including Panama.
The agency is warning consumers to avoid using tubes of toothpaste labeled as made in China and, through an import alert, is stopping all suspect toothpaste from entering the United States. FDA continues to investigate this problem and will take further action, as appropriate, to address this important public safety issue.
FDA is not aware of any U.S. reports of poisonings from toothpaste containing DEG. However, the agency is concerned about potential risks from chronic exposure to DEG and exposure to DEG in certain populations, such as children and individuals with kidney or liver disease. DEG in toothpaste has a low but meaningful risk of toxicity and injury to these populations. Toothpaste is not intended to be swallowed, but FDA is concerned about unintentional swallowing or ingestion of toothpaste containing DEG.
What to Avoid:
- Products labeled “made in China”
- Counterfeit toothpaste falsely packaged as "Colgate," manufactured in South Africa
- Packages labeled in a language other than English
Frequently Asked Questions About the Contaminated Toothpaste from China. (En Español)
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