Colgate Says Imposter Toothpaste Has Low Health Risk
The counterfeit toothpaste baring the household name Colgate suspected of containing the toxic chemical diethylene glycol is said to be low risk.
Diethylene glycol, or DEG is labeled as being imported from South Africa It comes in a 5-ounce (100 ml) tube, a size Colgate does not make or sell in the United States, the company said.
The Colgate-Palmolive Co.
MS USA is recalling all lots of 5-ounce Colgate toothpaste tubes it distributed to discount retail stores in the four states, according to a statement.
The chemical is sometimes illegally used as an inexpensive sweetener and thickening agent. It is also found in solvents and antifreeze. It has been found in cough syrups in Panama, causing the deaths of at least 100 people last year.
The chemical is sometimes illegally used as an inexpensive sweetener and thickening agent. It is also found in solvents and antifreeze.
Colgate said Consumers can identify the counterfeit product by the size as well as the label tracing it to South Africa. In addition, there are misspellings on the package including "SOUTH AFRLCA" and "isclinically."
"It's a low health risk but the bottom line is, it doesn't belong in toothpaste," said Doug Arbesfeld, a spokesman for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.