Health Canada is warning that it has found 21 Chinese toothpastes which contain illegal levels of DEG (diethylene glycol) - it has warned Canadians not to use these toothpastes that have been found on the Canadian market. DEG is used in antifreeze; it is poisonous and is used as a solvent. If DEG is ingested it can provoke nausea, abdominal pain, urinary problems, kidney failure, breathing problems, lethargy, convulsions, dizziness, coma and on occasions death.

Most adults do not swallow toothpaste, however, it is not uncommon for children to do so, says Health Canada. Health Canada is particularly concerned for children and consumers who suffer from kidney or liver disease.

This warning relates to toothpastes which are mainly labeled in Chinese and are for sale predominantly in Chinese markets. The toothpastes have not been approved for sale by Health Canada. Retailers should remove these products from their shelves immediately.

On June 5 this year, a customs alert was issued to the Canada Border Services Agency to halt shipments of toothpastes that come from China and check them out. Importers of toothpastes from China will have to show that their products comply with the Food and Drugs Act and Regulations.

Flouride-containing toothpastes manufactured in China are not approved for sale in Canada. The only fluoride-containing toothpastes, from anywhere, that Canada has approved contain an eight-digit DIN (drug identification number) or PIN (natural product number).

Some of the Chinese toothpastes that were tested had up to 13.7% DEG levels in them.

Health Canada warns it citizens to discontinue the use of these toothpastes immediately and return them to the shop they bought them from, and to make sure they are out of the reach of children. Retailers are instructed to return said toothpastes to the importer.

Fortunately, Health Canada has received no reports of DEG toxicity related to toothpaste use.

-- Click here to see information of DEG-containing toothpastes in the USA

-- Click here to see pictures of the above-mentioned toothpastes (scroll down the page when you get there)