After conducting its own analysis on counterfeit samples of Colgate toothpaste, the personal-care products makers said on Today; “there is a low health risk to consumers who purchased tubes of the counterfeit toothpaste." The company stated the Food and Drug Administration came to the same conclusion.
The tubes may have contained a poisonous chemical, diethylene glycol, which is found in antifreeze, according to an importer involved in the initial recall announcement. MS USA Trading, Inc. of North Bergen, New Jersey, said the 5 ounce tubes were imported from South Africa and was sold in discount stores in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland. “Made in Africa" is printed on the boxes of: Regular, Gel, Triple and Herbal versions. Consumers can also look for several misspelled words on the package including “isclinically", “SOUTH AFRLCA" and “South African Dental Assoxiation."
It was reported that Colgate-Palmolive is picking up suspected counterfeit products at discount stores where it was reportedly distributed. They’re also checking to make sure all accounts handling Colgate toothpaste in the United States do not have the counterfeit product.
The company has increased the number of customer service representatives on its consumer information line and extended its hours, adding weekend hours as well, to help answer questions. Colgate's consumer information line is 1-800-468-6502.
