FDA - Avoid Toothpaste form China

Toothpaste May Contain Diethylene Glycol (DEG)

On June 1, 2007 FDA issued an Import Alert and recommended that consumers discard toothpaste from China based upon concerns that the product may contain diethylene glycol (DEG). FDA found at least one sample that contained 3-4% DEG, a poisonous chemical commonly used in antifreeze. China is the second largest exporter of toothpaste, second only to Canada.

In May 2007, FDA learned that toothpaste from China shipped to Panama, Australia, and the Dominican

Republic was found to contain DEG. DEG has also been found in products that are supposed to contain glycerin. In 1937, an unrelated DEG tainted product was blamed for the deaths of 107 people.  Since then, there have been numerous cases worldwide where DEG tainted cough syrups have been blamed for kidney failure, other illnesses, and deaths.

FDA Guidance document on DEG

Pro Bono Toothpaste Testing

Diethylene Glycol (DEG) and Ethylene Glycol (EG) in Toothpaste by GCMS

A one gram aliquot of toothpaste is homogenized with five mL water. Five mL acetonitrile is added to suppress foaming, and the sample is centrifuged. Internal standard (1,3- propanediol) is added and a portion is analyzed using GCMS for diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol.

The GC separation is carried out using a capillary column with polyethylene glycol-type stationary phase (e.g. Stabilwax). Quantitation is performed against a one-point calibration. The method is designed only to detect gross contamination ( > 0.1%). Trace amounts of diethylene glycol or ethylene glycol would not be detected.