Tuesday, June 5, 2007

Antifreeze Doesn't Belong in Toothpastes

Few people would knowingly reach for a tube of Chinese toothpaste—at least in a U.S. supermarket, pharmacy, or big-box store. However, a number of bargain brands are, in fact, Chinese imports. And even that wouldn't necessarily be a problem, except that our Food & Drug Administration inspectors have identified several shipments of these Chinese toothpastes tainted with a poison: diethylene glycol (DEG), also known as diglycol.

On June 1, FDA issued an "import alert" about these products" and announced that: "Out of an abundance of caution," it recommends that consumers pitch out away toothpaste labeled as originating in China.

DEG is an antifreeze and solvent used in many commercial resins, dyes, oils and organic chemicals. It's also a "humectant"—an additive that keeps products moist—for tobacco, cork and glues. Although toxic to animals, including humans, China permits the use of DEG in toothpastes. The United States does not. In some of the imported products tested by FDA, DEG constituted 3 to 4% by weight of the toothpastes. Not all of the products were even labeled as containing DEG.

FDA identified about a dozen different brands of tainted toothpastes—none major name brands. Interestingly, none of the contaminated brands had received an American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance either. This is a designation that ADA deems the labeled product safe and effective.

According to FDA, DEG is commonly used in some developing countries as a cheap substitute for glycerin and propylene glycol. Where it has been used in products such as over-the-counter cough syrups and pain relievers, deaths have resulted.

Bottom line: Sometimes it pays to ante up for a name brand, or at least one with a medical group's seal of approval.

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