Warning on imported toothpaste

Chris Pearce MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, has issued a notice warning consumers of the dangers of imported toothpaste containing diethylene glycol (DEG).

Two brands of toothpaste imported from China – ‘Mr Cool’ and ‘Excel’ – on the Australian market have been identified as containing iethylene glycol. There could also be other brands that have not yet been identified.

The Excel brand is subject to a voluntary recall by the supplier, while the Mr Cool brand was available over the Internet and has been withdrawn from sale.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently issued a warning on toothpaste containing diethylene glycol. Testing by the FDA found some imported toothpaste to contain between 3% and 4% diethylene glycol by weight.

The FDA is concerned about potential risks from chronic exposure to diethylene glycol and exposure to diethylene glycol in certain populations, such as children and individuals with kidney and liver disease.

The FDA has stated that diethylene glycol has a low but meaningful risk of toxicity and injury to these populations. Although toothpaste is not intended to be swallowed, there is concern about unintentional swallowing or ingestion of toothpaste containing diethylene glycol.

Mr Pearce has strongly urged all consumers to check the ingredient labelling on their imported toothpaste and to dispose of any with diethylene glycol listed as an ingredient.

This Warning Notice does not apply to toothpaste made in Australia.