Contaminated Toothpaste Recall Expanded

August / June 2007

UPDATE – Since the presence of diethylene glycol (DEG) was confirmed in many brands of Chinese-produced toothpaste in June 2007, the list of recalled products has grown. Many tubes of tainted toothpaste were sold in discount retail outlets nationwide, as well as being distributed to residents of hospitals, institutions, and prisons. The following updated list contains brands of toothpaste and tooth gel contaminated with DEG:

Counterfeit "Colgate" toothpaste and tooth gel manufactured in South Africa has also been recalled.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed that certain brands of toothpaste made in China contain a deadly ingredient often used in antifreeze or as a solvent. Diethylene glycol (DEG) is a poisonous chemical that may be especially dangerous for children or people with kidney or liver disease.

The following brands have been identified as hazardous by the FDA:

Most tainted toothpaste products were found to contain between 3 to 4 percent DEG by weight. Although toothpaste is not typically swallowed, it is still often ingested by people while brushing. The FDA is particularly concerned about the long-term effects of exposure to DEG.