Chinese toothpaste banned

Consumer Affairs Minister Tony Robinson has announced that the Victorian Government has banned toothpastes imported from China, which contain unsafe levels of diethylene glycol (DEG). This substance is usually found in anti-freeze or is used as a solvent, and it is known as a "central nervous system depressant" and a potent toxin for the kidney and liver.

This ban follows one issued on June 1, 2007 by the US Food and Drug Administration, who warned consumers to avoid using tubes of toothpaste labeled as made in China because of concerns that the toothpaste may contain the poisonous DEG, also known as "diglycol".

FDA suggested that consumers throw away toothpaste labeled as made in China. FDA identified the following brands of toothpaste from China that contain DEG:
Cooldent Fluoride
Cooldent Spearmint
Cooldent ICE
Dr. Cool
Everfresh Toothpaste
Superdent Toothpaste
Clean Rite Toothpaste
Oralmax Extreme
Oral Bright Fresh Spearmint Flavor
Bright Max Peppermint Flavor
ShiR Fresh Mint Fluoride Paste
DentaPro
DentaKleen
DentaKleen Junior

These products are made by Goldcredit International Enterprises Limited; Goldcredit International Trading Company Limited; and Suzhou City Jinmao Daily Chemicals Company Limited. They are typically sold at low-cost, "bargain" retail outlets.

Until more information is available locally, those interested in more information, including a list of recalled products, are advised to visit FDA's Web page on DEG in Toothpaste from China at www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/toothpaste.html