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Importer Recalls Toothpaste After FDA Warning

By Joseph S. Enoch
ConsumerAffairs.com

June 12, 2007

Toothpaste • Toothpaste Importers Face Charges In California • Gilchrist & Soames Recalls Toothpaste • Toothpaste Scare Spreads to Hospitals, Prisons • China Pledges to Improve Food Safety • Another Importer Recalls Chinese Toothpaste • Colgate Warns of Counterfeit Toothpaste • Importer Recalls Toothpaste After FDA Warning • China Faults U.S. FDA In Toothpaste Flap • FDA Warns Chinese Toothpaste May Be Contaminated • Chinese Toothpaste Scare Spreads to Canada • FDA Bans Toothpaste from China after 51 Deaths in Panama • Foreign Toothpaste Illegally Imported, Sold in U.S. --- Complaints • Crest

Following Food and Drug Administration warnings last week, a Florida importer recalled 170,000 tubes of Chinese-made toothpaste that may contain a deadly chemical.

According to a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) press release, the toothpastes may contain diethylene glycol (DEG). DEG is a thickening agent used in antifreeze. It is a Central Nervous System depressant and potent kidney and liver toxin.

DEG killed 51 residents of Panama a year ago after it was found in Chinese-imported cough syrup.

The recalled toothpastes come in 6.4 ounce and 9 ounce tubes and are titled:

• Shir Fresh Mint Fluoride
• Shir Fresh Mint Fluoride Paste
• Shir Fresh Ice Shir Mint Fluoride Toothpaste

Although no injuries or illnesses have been reported, consumers who have the product are urged to either return it the store they purchased it or discard it.

Consumers who believe Chinese-made toothpaste has made them sick are encouraged to file a complaint with ConsumerAffairs.com and with the FDA’s MedWatch division.

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