Counterfeit Colgate
This article was originally published in The Rose Sheet
Executive Summary
Colgate-Palmolive warns in a June 14 statement that counterfeit toothpaste packaged under the Colgate brand has been found in several "dollar-type discount stores" in four states: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. "There are indications that this product does not contain fluoride and may contain diethylene glycol [(DEG)]," firm says. The company stressed "that it does not use, nor has ever used, DEG as an ingredient in Colgate toothpaste anywhere in the world." The counterfeit toothpaste is easily recognizable because it is labeled as "Manufactured in South Africa," firm says, noting that it does not import toothpaste into the U.S. from South Africa. The counterfeit packages also bear several misspellings: "isclinically," "SOUTH AFRLCA" and "South African Dental Assoxiation." Colgate is working closely with FDA to help identify those responsible for the counterfeit product. Earlier this month, concern arose over DEG-containing toothpaste from China (1"The Rose Sheet" June 11, 2007, p. 8)...