Beware of Chinese toothpaste

Botswana has joined various countries in warning customers against buying Chinese manufactured toothpaste that contains Diethylene Glycol (DEG), a poisonous chemical used in antifreeze and as a solvent.

DEG is found in Chinese-manufactured toothpaste under various brands. However, the chemical is not recommended for use in food and drugs and it is said to contribute to mass poisoning in different parts of the world.

Panama, Australia, the United States of America (US) and Canada are among the countries that have recalled the toothpaste from supermarket shelves. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned consumers to avoid using tubes of toothpaste labelled as 'made in China' and they have identified others from South Africa. The FDA is also working to stop the importation of toothpaste containing DEG.

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