Too little, too late on toxic toothpaste

Green MP Sue Kedgley is welcoming news that authorities have undertaken testing of toothpaste suspected of containing the toxic substance diethylene glycol, but remains concerned about the long delay and lack of comprehensive testing regime.

“Although I’m pleased to see Medsafe has finally undertaken testing to show that these 16 brands of toothpaste are dangerous, I’m extremely concerned that this comes some four months after the toxic toothpaste was identified. Many other countries seized shipments and recalled stock. Some, such as the United States, quickly began testing all toothpaste from China,” Green Party Health Spokesperson Sue Kedgley says.

“Meanwhile, our authorities issued a rather lacklustre request for importers to check their stock, despite the fact the diethylene glycol may not be listed as an ingredient. The Ministry of Health warned consumers not to use toothpaste imported from China, although in the absence of country of origin labeling it’s unclear how people are supposed to identify where products come from.

“The long delay and the very high levels of this industrial chemical will further undermine public confidence in the safety of Chinese products, and highlight the urgent need for random testing of imported products.

“An urgent mandatory recall is long overdue. It is both inappropriate and inadequate for the onus to be placed on the consumer to contact Medsafe if the products are found on shop shelves.

“Clearly we need to strengthen consumer protection. Those entrusted with our health and safety need to take a more proactive approach, and random testing of imported food and personal hygiene products should be immediately implemented.”