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NEW YORK: The Colgate-Palmolive Co. warned Thursday that counterfeit toothpaste falsely packaged as "Colgate" has been found in discount stores and may contain diethylene glycol, a toxic chemical.
The fake Colgate toothpaste has been found in several super-bargain stores in four East Coast states: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland, the consumer products giant said in a statement.
"There are indications that this product does not contain fluoride and may contain diethylene glycol," the company said.
The company said it does not use, nor has ever used, diethylene glycol in Colgate toothpaste anywhere in the world.
The bogus toothpaste is labeled as "Manufactured in South Africa," Colgate said, noting the company does not import toothpaste into the United States from South Africa.
The labels also have several misspellings, including "isclinically", "SOUTH AFRLCA" and "South African Dental Assoxiation," it said.
The consumer products company said the counterfeit toothpaste is not manufactured or distributed by Colgate and has no connection with the company whatsoever.
It said it was working closely with the US Food and Drug Administration to help to identify those responsible for the counterfeit product.
The FDA has found diethylene glycol in certain toothpastes imported from China after receiving reports in late May of contaminated Chinese dental products found in several countries, including Panama.
The agency has warned consumers to avoid using tubes of toothpaste labeled as made in China and has stopped all suspect toothpaste from entering the United States. - AFP/sh
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