China in denial over toxic toothpaste

Jun 3 2007

Authorities in China have called warnings about Chinese-made toothpaste by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) both unscientific and irresponsible.

The FDA has warned consumers that some toothpaste imported into the U.S. from China contains the potentially poisonous chemical diethylene glycol, or DEG.

DEG is an industrial solvent commonly used in paint and antifreeze.

China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine has rejected the claim and says low-levels of the chemical, diethylene glycol, have been approved for consumption and that the FDA has approved all Chinese-made toothpaste exported to the United States.

Late last week the FDA issued the warning after DEG was found in a shipment of toothpaste seized at the border and in two U.S. retail stores.

The seizure is just the latest food scare over the safety of products made in China which have seen China's food and drug exports being placed under close scrutiny around the world.

Although the FDA says there have been no reports of poisoning from the contaminated toothpaste in the U.S., similar cases have occurred across Latin America, and in Panama, where authorities say at least 100 people died after taking cough syrup that contained DEG.

The FDA has identified products by Goldcredit International Enterprises Ltd., Goldcredit International Trading Co. Ltd., and Suzhou City Jinmao Daily Chemicals Co. Ltd as containing DEG; brands include Cooldent, Clean Rite and Oralmax which are usually found at discount retailers.