Tainted Toothpaste Reaches 900,000 Tubes

June 2007

The massive recall of Chinese-made toothpaste has climbed to about 900,000 tubes, as state institutions across the country have found the contaminated products. Initially believed to affect only discount brands sold at dollar-type retail stores, the toothpaste contains a poisonous chemical used in antifreeze and as a solvent.

Diethylene glycol (DEG) was used to make the dental products in place of glycerin, a more expensive but relatively safer chemical. The Food and Drug Administration considers the risk of the DEG-laced toothpaste low overall, but fairly significant for children and those suffering from kidney or liver disease.

The tainted toothpaste was purchased by hospitals, prisons, and juvenile detention centers throughout the United States. The contaminated brand names include EverFRESH, Pacific, and Springfresh. Toothpaste containing DEG was first confirmed in Panama, and has been found in Latin America, West Africa, Japan, and more.