Alert over ‘dangerous’ toothpaste brands |24 February 2009

The National Consumers Forum (Natcof) has asked the health authority and the Ministry of Finance to join it in taking immediate action after international consumer groups expressed concern over diethylene glycol (DEG) found in certain toothpastes.

Natcof said yesterday it cannot confirm the presence of DEG in toothpastes available on the local market, but there is a potential risk.

Diethylene glycol is an industrial solvent and a major ingredient in antifreeze. It is also a deadly poison and caused over 300 deaths last year as an ingredient in counterfeit toothpaste made in China.

Several cheap brands of toothpaste, namely Maksam, Maxam, Close-up Gel and Aprea Fresh have been recalled in Sierra Leone after it was found they contained DEG.

Natcof has already alerted the Seychelles Bureau of Standards, but there is no regulation in place to test and control the import of toothpaste.

It is now sending toothpaste samples to the Bureau of Indian Standards for the necessary verification tests.
Meanwhile, Natcof is advising consumers to verify the authenticity of toothpaste before buying. According to the dental services here, it is advisable to buy toothpastes certified by the dental association in the country of origin.

Natcof said it is taking this matter very seriously and is calling on everyone involved to take appropriate action.
 
It added that recently it has received many complaints of irritation, discomfort and mouth lacerations relating to certain brands of toothpaste.