Singaporeans have been warned to keep away from three brands of Chinese toothpaste after traces of a toxic solvent was identified in the product’s composition.

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) detected diethylene glycol in three brands of toothpaste produced in China. DEG is a potentially deadly substance used in antifreeze and as a solvent.

It is also used as a cheaper substitute for glycerin in pharmaceutical products like cough syrup and toothpaste.

China’s toothpaste has received a lot of unflattering attention lately, with the Food and Drug Administration issuing a warning for American consumers to avoid certain brands of toothpaste.

Singaporeans were urged Wednesday not to use Hei Mei toothpaste, Hei Mei calcium toothpaste and Maxam toothpaste with fluoride.

Chinese officials have responded to the FDA’s claims calling the agency’s warning “unscientific, irresponsible and contradictory.”

A statement posted on China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine Web site last Saturday said low levels of the chemical are considered safe for consumption.

The Chinese agency maintains the levels of DEG contained in the toothpaste are safe. The statement cited a 2000 Chinese study that found 15.6 percent diethylene glycol in toothpaste is safe, while the Chinese toothpaste triggered by the FDA contains 3 to 4 percent of DEG