Additional Serious Harmful Bacteria Potentially Found in Counterfeit Toothpaste

News Release

Warning
2007-82
July 6, 2007
For immediate release

OTTAWA - Further to a warning issued on June 29, Health Canada is warning Canadians not to use a counterfeit product falsely labelled as Colgate Fluoride Toothpaste Maximum Cavity Protection. Ongoing testing has resulted in preliminary evidence of a further, potentially harmful bacterial contamination. If confirmed, the presence of this bacterium could pose a serious health risk.
Health Canada will notify Canadians if it is determined that there is a health risk once final testing is completed.
Consumers who have this counterfeit product are advised to discontinue use immediately and not to use their toothbrush. The product should be kept out of the reach of children. Consumers should seal the tube and put the tube in a sealed bag. They should also wash their hands after handling the tube. Health Canada will provide additional instructions on the proper disposal of the product if needed.
Consumers who have this product should contact Health Canada's Health Products and Food Branch Inspectorate at 1-800-267-9675.
The counterfeit product falsely labelled as Colgate Fluoride Toothpaste Maximum Cavity Protection is marked as 100 ml, and is labelled as "Manufactured in South Africa." It contains misspellings including "isclinically" "SOUTH AFRLCA" and "South African Dental Assoxiation."
This counterfeit toothpaste product was found in the discount chain "Everything for a Dollar Store." Canadian distributors are cooperating in the investigation and have removed the product from their shelves.
Genuine Colgate toothpaste approved for sale in Canada is safe and is labelled in English and French. Additionally, fluoride-containing toothpaste that has been approved for sale in Canada will contain either an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN) or a Natural Product Number (NPN).
Canadian consumers with questions on how to identify genuine Colgate toothpaste can contact Colgate Canada's consumer line at (1-800-268-6757) or visit www.colgate.ca.
Consumers are also advised to monitor the Health Canada Web site for additional updates regarding this issue.
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Media Inquiries:
Health Canada
(613) 957-2983
Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991
1-866 225-0709

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Additional Serious Harmful Bacteria Potentially Found in Counterfeit Toothpaste

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