The FDA warned consumers June 1 to throw away toothpaste labeled as made in China because it may contain the chemical diethylene glycol (DEG), a poisonous chemical used in antifreeze, the Associated Press reported.
Officials are particularly concerned about toothpaste sold in bargain stores because DEG is used as a cheap sweetener and thickening agent. So far, the chemical has been found in three products: Cooldent Flouride, Cooldent Spearmint and Cooldent Ice, according to the AP.
In the past, DEG has been used improperly in sedatives, syrups and cough medicine. The chemical was blamed for over 40 deaths in Panama last September, the AP reported. The FDA is particularly concerned about chronic exposure to DEG in children and people with liver disease, according to the AP.
