Counterfeit Colgate toothpaste found in US

The Colgate-Palmolive Company warned in an announcement issued in New York Thursday that counterfeit toothpaste falsely packaged as “Colgate” has been found in several dollar-type discount stores in the states of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland.

There are indications that this product does not contain fluoride and may contain Diethylene Glycol, the company said, adding that it does not use, nor has ever used, Diethylene Glycol as an ingredient in Colgate toothpaste anywhere in the world.

The counterfeit toothpaste is labelled as “Manufactured in South Africa.” Colgate said it does not import toothpaste into the United States from South Africa. In addition, the counterfeit packages examined so far have several misspellings including: “isclinically”, “SOUTH AFRLCA” and “South African Dental Assoxiation.”

Colgate is working closely with the U.S. FDA to help to identify those responsible for the counterfeit product.
Consumers who suspect they may have purchased counterfeit product, can call Colgate’s toll-free number in the U.S. at 1 800 468 6502 or visit the company’s web site at http://www.colgate.com.