FDA warned the US consumers to avoid toothpaste made in China because of a potential poisonous ingredient diethylene glycol (DEG), used in antifreeze and as a solvent. Also, FDA advised the consumers to throw away toothpaste that are labeled “Made In China”.

Although in US no case of poisonings from toothpaste containing DEG was reported, the US agency is concerned about potential risks in certain populations, such as children and individuals with kidney or liver disease. FDA explained that is concerned about unintentional swallowing or ingestion of toothpaste containing DEG. There are reports of patient deaths and injuries in other countries over the past several years from ingesting DEG-contaminated pharmaceutical preparations, such as cough syrups and acetaminophen syrup.

FDA has identified the following brands of toothpaste from China that contain DEG and are included in the import alert: Cooldent Fluoride; Cooldent Spearmint; Cooldent ICE; Dr. Cool, Everfresh Toothpaste; Superdent Toothpaste; Clean Rite Toothpaste; Oralmax Extreme; Oral Bright Fresh Spearmint Flavor; Bright Max Peppermint Flavor; ShiR Fresh Mint Fluoride Paste; DentaPro; DentaKleen; and DentaKleen Junior. Manufacturers of these products are: Goldcredit International Enterprises Limited; Goldcredit International Trading Company Limited; and Suzhou City Jinmao Daily Chemicals Company Limited. The products typically are sold at low-cost, “bargain” retail outlets.

In response to FDA claims, China‘s main food safety regulator rejected the warning, saying that the ingredients of toothpaste exported to the U.S. is offered to the FDA, showing the amount of diethylene glycol.

In an official statement the Chinese agency "requests the U.S. clarify the facts in a scientific manner as soon as possible and properly handle the issue."