Chris Pearce MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, today issued a notice warning consumers of the dangers of imported toothpaste containing diethylene glycol (DEG).
“Two brands of imported toothpaste – ‘Mr Cool’ and ‘Excel’ - on the Australian market have been identified as containing diethylene glycol. However there could well be other brands that have not yet been identified,” said Mr Pearce.
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is subject to a voluntary recall by the supplier, while the Mr Cool brand was available over the Internet and has been withdrawn from sale.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.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has considered the health implications of toothpaste containing diethylene glycol. Based on their advice I consider it essential to warn consumers of the dangers associated with toothpaste containing diethylene glycol.
“I strongly urge all consumers to check the ingredient labelling on their imported toothpaste and to dispose of any with diethylene glycol listed as an ingredient,” Mr Pearce said.
This Warning Notice does not apply to toothpaste made in Australia.
“I am advised that Australian-made toothpaste does not include diethylene glycol as an active ingredient,” said Mr Pearce.
13 June 2007
CANBERRA
Contact: Conor O’Brien 0402 970 515 or 02 6277 2088