Updated June 28, 2007.
FDA has found a poisonous chemical, diethylene glycol (DEG), in certain toothpastes imported from China. 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.
List of Toothpaste Products
FDA has identified the following brands of toothpaste from China that have been found to contain a poisonous chemical called diethylene glycol (DEG). The products typically are sold at low-cost, “bargain” retail outlets.
Manufacturer: Goldcredit International Enterprises LTD Products: (MainStar America, Selective Imports, Donnamax)
Dr. Cool Coolmint
Superdent Coolmint
Cooldent Coolmint
Cooldent Spearmint
Cooldent Fluoride
Everfresh Assortment
BrightMax
DentaPro
Dentakleen
Dentakleen Junior Brand - Strawberry
Dentakleen Junior Brand - Blueberry
Manufacturer: Gold Credit International Trading Co LTD Products:
Bright Max Peppermint Flavor
Clean Rite Toothpaste
Clean Rite Toothpaste Kit
Oralmax Extreme Action Kit
Oral Bright Fresh Spearmint Flavor
DentaKleen
DentaKleen Junior
DentaPro
Manufacturer: Suzhou City Jinmao Daily Chemicals Co. Ltd.
Product: (Gold City Enterprises/New Star, Miami, FL)
ShiR Fresh Mint Fluoride Paste
ShiRFresh Toothpaste
ShiRFresh Mint
ShiRFresh Ice Mint
Manufacturer Shanghai Light Industrial Products:
Fresh Spearmint (Following up with Mandalay International, Ogden, UT)
MFR Unknown:
Crescent Toothpaste (Dollar Ocean #4, Wheaton, MD and H&Y Trading Co, Capitol Heights, MD)
Naturabella nino Dusanzo (Certejenas Inc., Cidra, PR)
Manufacturer: Suzhou Qing Xin Daily Chemical Co., Ltd.
Pacific Fluoride Toothpaste
Pacific Fluoride Gel Toothpaste
Manufacturer: Guangdong Wellknown Ceramics Co., Ltd.
Tian Qi Toothpaste
FDA has identified the following counterfeit products:
Manufacturer: Unknown
counterfeit toothpaste falsely packaged as "Colgate," manufactured in South Africa
counterfeit tooth gel falsely packaged as "Colgate," manufactured in South Africa (may not contain DEG)
MainStar America, LLC Issues Urgent Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Toothpaste (June 13, 2007)
MS USA Trading, Inc. Recalls "Colgate Toothpaste" Because of Possible Health Risk (June 13, 2007)
Gold City Enterprise Recalls ShiR Toothpastes (June 8, 2007)
Update: Counterfeit Toothpaste Falsely Labeled as “Colgate” (June 15, 2007)
Update: MainStar America initiated a nationwide recall of toothpaste made in China. The recall was initiated because the products may contain the poisonous chemical diethylene glycol. Consumers who have one of the recalled products should stop using the product, return the product to the store where it was purchased, or throw the product away. See the Firm’s press release for a list of product lot numbers associated with this recall. (June 15, 2007)
Update: The Colgate-Palmolive Company warned that counterfeit toothpaste falsely packaged as "Colgate" has been found in several dollar-type discount stores in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. There are indications that the product does not contain fluoride and may contain diethylene glycol. Consumers who suspect they may have purchased a counterfeit product can call Colgate’s toll-free number 1-800-468-6502. Press Release — Counterfeit Colgate Toothpaste Found (June 14, 2007).
Update: MS USA Inc. of North Bergen, New Jersey initiated a recall of counterfeit Colgate toothpaste that FDA has determined is contaminated with DEG. Press Release — Firm Recall (June 13, 2007)
Update: Gold City Enterprise LLC of Hallandale, Florida initiated a nationwide recall of toothpaste made in China because the products may contain the poisonous chemical diethylene glycol (DEG), a substance used in antifreeze and as a solvent. The substance is a central nervous system depressant and potent kidney and liver toxin. See the company’s news release for a listing of the lot numbersfor the recalled products. Additionally, Pitusa, National Lumber, Everything to Weight, Supermarkets and Supermarkets Pitusa of Carolina, Puerto Rico recalled all dental toothpaste with the origin "Made in China" due to possible contamination with DEG. The recall includes the following product sizes with dental brushes, 6.4 oz, 1.76 oz, and 50 grams for children. See the Pitusa, National Lumber’s news release for the various names under which the recalled products are sold. (June 13, 2007)