Toxic compound found in Indian toothpaste

Published: 29-Aug-2007

The Canadian government has advised consumers to discontinue using Indian-made Neem Active toothpaste with calcium, manufactured by Calcutta Chemical Co Ltd because it contains dangerous levels of diethylene glycol (DEG), a toxic organic compound. Tests also revealed that Neem Active with Calcium contained high levels of bacteria that can cause fever, urinary tract infection and gastrointestinal symptoms.


The Canadian government has advised consumers to discontinue using Indian-made Neem Active toothpaste with calcium, manufactured by Calcutta Chemical Co Ltd because it contains dangerous levels of diethylene glycol (DEG), a toxic organic compound. Tests also revealed that Neem Active with Calcium contained high levels of bacteria that can cause fever, urinary tract infection and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Shops have been ordered to take the toothpaste of the shelves. The same chemical was found in Chinese toothpaste brands Excel and Mr Cool in Panama and the Dominican Republic earlier this year, leading to a ban by the US FDA on all consignments of toothpaste from China.

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