Released: June 14, 2007

Warning of fake toothpaste, maybe toxic

Source: Reuters [USA Today]

Colgate-Palmolive said today that counterfeit “Colgate” toothpaste that may contain a toxic chemical has been found in discount stores in four states.
“There are indications that this product does not contain fluoride and may contain diethylene glycol,” the company said.

Colgate-Palmolive said it does not use, nor has ever used, diethylene glycol as an ingredient in its toothpaste anywhere in the world. The chemical, known as DEG and sometimes illegally used as an inexpensive sweetener and thickening agent, is commonly used in solvents and antifreeze.

The Colgate-Palmolive announcement comes less than two weeks after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned consumers to avoid any toothpaste made in China after inspectors found DEG in tubes sold at two stores.

Colgate-Palmolive said the counterfeit toothpaste was found in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland.

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