Counterfeit toothpaste is discovered

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said a counterfeit toothpaste falsely packaged as "Colgate" has been found in four states.

The Colgate-Palmolive Co. warned the counterfeit toothpaste was found in several dollar-type discount stores in four states: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.

The company said there were indications the product does not contain fluoride and might contain diethylene glycol. Colgate-Palmolive said it does not use, nor ever has used, diethylene glycol as an ingredient in Colgate toothpaste anywhere in the world.

The FDA recently recalled several brands of Chinese-made toothpaste because of contamination with the same chemical that's used in antifreeze and as a solvent.

The counterfeit toothpaste is labeled as "Manufactured in South Africa." In addition, the counterfeit packages have several misspellings, including: "isclinically" "SOUTH AFRLCA" "South African Dental Assoxiation."

Consumers with questions or who suspect they might have purchased the counterfeit product, can call Colgate-Palmolive at 800 468 6502.

Copyright 2007 by United Press International