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Imported Toothpaste

updated October 9, 2007

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Introduction

FDA has found a poisonous chemical, diethylene glycol (DEG), in certain toothpastes imported from China. The agency increased its scrutiny and testing of imported toothpaste and dental products after receiving reports in late May 2007 of contaminated Chinese dental products found in several countries, including Panama.

The agency is warning consumers to avoid using tubes of toothpaste labeled as made in China and, through an import alert, is stopping all suspect toothpaste from entering the United States. FDA continues to investigate this problem and will take further action, as appropriate, to address this important public safety issue. View News Updates

List of Toothpaste Products

FDA has identified the following brands of toothpaste from China that have been found to contain a poisonous chemical called diethylene glycol (DEG). The products typically are sold at low-cost, “bargain” retail outlets.

Manufacturer: Hangzhou Vet & Pet Supplies Co Ltd

  • Pro Dental Mint Flavored Pet Toothpaste

Manufacturer: Yongnan Daily Use Chemical Factory

  • Escents Toothpaste (may be part of an amenity kit)

Manufacturer: Zhejiang Bohai Import And Export Co.

  • Crescent Cavity Fighting Toothpaste

Manufacturer: Ajiao Toothbrush Firm

  • Crescent Cavity Fighting Toothpaste

Manufacturer: Jiangsu Soho Intl. Group Corp

  • Flora Fresh Toothpaste

Manufacturer: Ningbo Powerwell Fine Chemical

  • Healing Care Toothpaste in Dental Kit

Manufacturer: Goldcredit International Enterprises LTD Products: (MainStar America, Selective Imports, Donnamax)

  • Cooldent ICE
  • Dr. Cool Toothpaste
  • Everfresh Toothpaste
  • Superdent Toothpaste
  • Dr. Cool Coolmint
  • Superdent Coolmint
  • Cooldent Coolmint
  • Cooldent Spearmint
  • Cooldent Fluoride
  • Everfresh Assortment
  • BrightMax
  • DentaPro
  • Dentakleen
  • Dentakleen Junior Brand - Strawberry
  • Dentakleen Junior Brand - Blueberry

Manufacturer: Gold Credit International Trading Co LTD Products:

  • Oralmax Extreme Pack Kit
  • Bright Max Peppermint Flavor
  • Clean Rite Toothpaste
  • Clean Rite Toothpaste Kit
  • Oralmax Extreme Action Kit
  • Oral Bright Fresh Spearmint Flavor
  • DentaKleen
  • DentaKleen Junior
  • DentaPro

Manufacturer: Suzhou City Jinmao Daily Chemicals Co. Ltd. Product: (Gold City Enterprises/New Star, Miami, FL)

  • ShiR Fresh Mint Fluoride Paste
  • ShiRFresh Toothpaste
  • ShiRFresh Mint
  • ShiRFresh Ice Mint

Manufacturer: Shanghai Light Industrial Products:

  • Freshh Spearmint (Following up with Mandalay International, Ogden, UT)

MFR Unknown:

  • Crescent Toothpaste (Dollar Ocean #4, Wheaton, MD and H&Y Trading Co, Capitol Heights, MD)
  • Naturabella nino Dusanzo (Certejenas Inc., Cidra, PR)

Manufacturer: Suzhou Qing Xin Daily Chemical Co., Ltd.

  • Pacific Fluoride Toothpaste
  • Pacific Fluoride Gel Toothpaste
  • All Toothpaste

Manufacturer: Guangdong Wellknown Ceramics Co., Ltd.

  • Tian Qi Toothpaste

FDA has identified the following counterfeit products:

Manufacturer: Unknown

  • counterfeit toothpaste falsely packaged as "Colgate," manufactured in South Africa
  • counterfeit tooth gel falsely packaged as "Colgate," manufactured in South Africa (may not contain DEG)

Recalled Toothpaste Products

News Updates

  • Update: Health Canada, the federal health oversight agency in Canada, announced last week that products falsely labeled as Colgate Fluoride Toothpaste Herbal and Colgate Fluoride Toothpaste Maximum Cavity Protection contained high levels of potentially harmful bacteria that could potentially pose significant health risks, especially to children and individuals with compromised immune systems. To date, no adverse events have been attributed to the counterfeit toothpaste in the United States or Canada. FDA is continuing its investigative and analytical work related to these products and will provide updates as needed. FDA continues to advise consumers not to buy or use these counterfeit toothpaste products. Colgate has also provided information on their website for consumers. (July 13, 2007)

  • Update: Counterfeit Toothpaste Falsely Labeled as “Colgate” (June 15, 2007)

  • Update: MainStar America initiated a nationwide recall of toothpaste made in China. The recall was initiated because the products may contain the poisonous chemical diethylene glycol. Consumers who have one of the recalled products should stop using the product, return the product to the store where it was purchased, or throw the product away. See the Firm's press release for a list of product lot numbers associated with this recall. (June 15, 2007)

  • Update: The Colgate-Palmolive Company warned that counterfeit toothpaste falsely packaged as "Colgate" has been found in several dollar-type discount stores in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. There are indications that the product does not contain fluoride and may contain diethylene glycol. Consumers who suspect they may have purchased a counterfeit product can call Colgate's toll-free number 1-800-468-6502. Press Release -- Counterfeit Colgate Toothpaste Found (June 14, 2007).

  • Update: Gold City Enterprise LLC of Hallandale, Florida initiated a nationwide recall of toothpaste made in China because the products may contain the poisonous chemical diethylene glycol (DEG), a substance used in antifreeze and as a solvent. The substance is a central nervous system depressant and potent kidney and liver toxin. See the company's news release for a listing of the lot numbersfor the recalled products. Additionally, Pitusa, National Lumber, Everything to Weight, Supermarkets and Supermarkets Pitusa of Carolina, Puerto Rico recalled all dental toothpaste with the origin "Made in China" due to possible contamination with DEG. The recall includes the following product sizes with dental brushes, 6.4 oz, 1.76 oz, and 50 grams for children. See the Pitusa, National Lumber's news release for the various names under which the recalled products are sold. (June 13, 2007)

  • FDA Advises Consumers to Avoid Toothpaste From China Containing Harmful Chemical (June 1, 2007) (En Español)

  • Toothpaste Imported From China May Contain Diethylene Glycol (Medwatch, June 1, 2007)


  • Import Alert #66-74, "Detention without Physical Examination of Dentifrice Products Containing Diethylene Glycol (DEG) (May 31, 2007)


  • FDA Advises Manufacturers to Test Glycerin for Possible Contamination (May 4, 2007)

Transcripts of FDA Press Conference on Toothpaste from China that Contains DEG

What is FDA doing?

How Do I Report a Toothpaste Complaint?

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