Counterfeit tubes of Colgate brand toothpaste, possibly containing Diethylene Glycol, a poisonous chemical used in antifreeze, have been found in at least four states. The toothpaste was reportedly being sold from small dollar and discount stores in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland.
These 5 oz. tubes of counterfeit toothpaste appear to be regular Colgate toothpaste, but a closer look at the label shows several misspellings along with the words, "Manufactured in South Africa." The Colgate Palmolive Company states that Diethylene Glycol is not used in any Colgate toothpaste in the United States or anywhere else in the world and Colgate does not import toothpaste from South Africa into America.
The Colgate Company is working closely with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and taking steps to ensure that none of their accounts have the counterfeit toothpaste on their shelves.
Last week the FDA issued a poisonous toothpaste alert for consumers not to buy any toothpaste made in China. This alert was issued after Diethylene Glycol was found in several Chinese made toothpastes.
If you ordered the free sample of Colgate toothpaste last week, it will be coming directly from the Colgate Company.
Be sure to check out your other toothpastes at home to make sure that they are not counterfeit or made in China. If you suspect that you may have a counterfeit product, you can contact Colgate at 1 800 468 6502.
15 June 2007
