Behavior/Humans

Toxic Compound Found in Chinese Toothpaste

The diethylene glycol

By Stefan Anitei, Science Editor

5th of June 2007, 10:07 GMT

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Low cost means low quality. But when it's about food and related items, this could mean "low" health.

The US government warned consumers on Friday to stay off the toothpaste made in China as it contains a toxin commonly used as antifreeze.

The Food and Drug Administration said people should discard toothpaste "made in China", as these products may contain diethylene glycol (DEG), a lower-cost sweetener and thickening agent.

By now, no case of poisoning from toothpaste in the US has been recorded, but the antifreeze ingredient was encountered in a shipment at the U.S. border and at two retail stores, in Miami and Puerto Rico.

The main concern is the toothpaste traded at bargain retail outlets. DEG was found to form 3-4 % of the toothpaste.

"It does not belong in toothpaste even in small concentrations," said the FDA's Deborah M. Autor.

The FDA severed check on toothpaste "made in China" due to contamination from several countries. Chronic exposure to DEG leads to kidney or liver conditions.

"Our concern today is potentially about all toothpaste that comes in from China. Our estimate is that China makes up about $3.3 million of the $2 billion U.S. toothpaste market. The alert means toothpaste from China will be stopped at the border " said Autor.

The producers of the brands previously encountered with DEG will have to show the toothpaste is free of the chemical before receiving acceptance to the country. All other brands of Chinese toothpaste will be retained for testing.

DEG has been also improperly put in many sedatives, syrups and cough medicines worldwide. In September 2006, a cough syrup with DEG killed over 40 persons in Panama.

FDA encountered DEG in three products produced by Goldcredit International Trading in China: Cooldent Fluoride, Cooldent Spearmint and Cooldent ICE. DEG was also found in one product produced by Suzhou City Jinmao Daily Chemical Co. in China: 1 % in Shir Fresh Mint Fluoride Paste. China faces a severe food safety issue which turned international.

On March 15, FDA warned that certain pet foods were inducing disease and killing cats and dogs, due to contaminants in vegetable proteins imported from China and put in pet food.

TAGS:

tooth | China | toxin

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