Testing China-Made Toothpastes For Diethylene Glycol

Main Category: Dentistry
Article Date: 08 Jun 2007 - 1:00 PDT

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The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has tested all China-made toothpastes licensed and available in the market following recent overseas concerns on the detection of diethylene glycol (DEG) in toothpastes originating from China.

In Singapore, toothpastes are currently required to be licensed by HSA prior to sale. None of the product brands found overseas to contain DEG have been registered for sale in Singapore.

Of the toothpaste products tested, three have been confirmed to contain DEG which was not declared to HSA at the point of registration. The three products and the DEG amounts detected are as follows:

(i) Hei Mei Toothpaste
(ii) Hei Mei Calcium Toothpaste
(iii) Maxam Toothpaste with Fluoride

HSA has instructed the respective companies to stop the sale of the affected products and recall the stocks from the market. This is because the presence of an undeclared ingredient like DEG raises questions on the quality of these products.

HSA will continue to monitor this situation closely and conduct relevant testing. The public will be alerted of any findings that may compromise public health and safety. HSA will institute regulatory action deemed necessary and appropriate to safeguard public health.

Consumer Advisory

As a precautionary measure, consumers who have been using these three products should stop using them and switch to alternative brands. Consumers are also advised not to buy toothpastes from any dubious sources.

For any further clarification, consumers may contact HSA's Cosmetic Control Unit at Tel: 68663470 during office hours (Mon - Fri).

Health Sciences Authority (Singapore)
http://www.hsa.gov.sg

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