Chinese toothpaste import alert

FDA warns consumers not to use toothpaste labeled as made in China and issues an import alert June 1 to prevent toothpaste containing toxic diethylene glycol from entering the country. One shipment of toothpaste containing 3% DEG has been identified and detained at the U.S. border by agency inspectors, and DEG-containing toothpaste also was found at a distribution center and a retail store, FDA states. No U.S. incidents of poisoning from toothpaste adulterated with DEG have been reported, according to the agency. Panama's health ministry also recently found DEG in Chinese-manufactured toothpastes, which in part contributed to FDA's increased scrutiny of toothpaste and other dental products made in China, FDA says (1"The Tan Sheet" May 28, 2007, In Brief)...