Warning

2007-80
June 29, 2007
For immediate release

Chinese toothpaste in Canada found to contain diethylene glycol

OTTAWA - Health Canada is warning Canadians not to use Chinese toothpaste found on the Canadian market because 21 products to date have been found to contain unacceptable levels of diethylene glycol (DEG). DEG is a poisonous chemical used in antifreeze and as a solvent that may cause nausea, abdominal pain, dizziness, urinary problems, kidney failure, breathing problems, lethargy, convulsions, coma and even death when ingested. While toothpaste is not meant to be swallowed, it is often swallowed by young children. The potential health risks from chronic exposure to DEG are a particular concern in specific vulnerable populations such as children and consumers with kidney or liver disease.

UPDATE -- July 5, 2007: Health Canada updates list of toothpastes from China found to contain diethylene glycol

A second toothpaste-related Warning was issued today by Health Canada on counterfeit Colgate products with high bacteria levels, which is unrelated to this Warning.

The DEG-containing toothpastes identified to date are labelled primarily in Chinese and were found in Chinese markets and dollar stores across the country. None of the products are approved for sale by Health Canada. Health Canada is requesting retailers to remove all Chinese toothpaste from their shelves and the Department will be communicating further with Chinese merchant associations across the country about this warning. Health Canada will also verify that the products have been taken off the market.

A customs alert was issued June 5, 2007 to the Canada Border Services Agency to stop shipments of toothpaste originating from China. Intercepted shipments will not be allowed into Canada until the importer can demonstrate that it complies with the Food and Drugs Act and Regulations.

There are no fluoride-containing toothpastes approved for sale in Canada that are manufactured in China. Fluoride-containing toothpastes that have been approved for sale in Canada will contain either an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN) or a Natural Product Number (NPN).

As of June 29, 2007, 21 Chinese toothpastes tested by Health Canada had been found to contain DEG levels up to 13.7 per cent. Further testing is being done, and Health Canada will update the list of products as required. Photos of the DEG-containing products are attached to this release, and can also be found on the Health Canada Web site.

Consumers in possession of any of these toothpastes are advised to discontinue use immediately and ensure that these products remain out of the reach of children. Consumers should return the product to the store they bought it from. Retailers of these Chinese toothpastes are to return the products to the importer. To date, Health Canada has not received any adverse reaction reports of DEG toxicity related to a toothpaste product.

Additional DEG-containing toothpastes have recently been identified in the United States. More information on these products is available at http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/toothpaste.html

Consumers requiring more information about this advisory can contact Health Canada’s public enquiries line at (613) 957-2991, or toll free at 1-866-225-0709.

To report a suspected adverse reaction to this health product, please contact the Canadian Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Program (CADRMP) of Health Canada by one of the following methods:

Telephone: 1-866-234-2345
Facsimile: 1-866-678-6789

CADRMP
Marketed Health Products Directorate
Tunney's Pasture, AL 0701C
Email: cadrmp@hc-sc.gc.ca

The CADRMP adverse reaction reporting form, including a version that can be completed and submitted online, is located in the MedEffect Canada area of the Health Canada Web site.

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Chinese version

Media Inquiries:
Health Canada
(613) 957-2983

Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991
1-866 225-0709