AMMAN -- Jordan is not affected by the case of counterfeit "Colgate" toothpaste discovered in the US market, a Jordan Food and Drug Association (JFDA) confirmed on Tuesday.
Last week, the US Food and Drug Association (FDA) found counterfeit toothpaste and tooth gel falsely packaged as "Colgate" and manufactured in South Africa. The items contained a potentially toxic chemical, diethylene glycol (DEG).
The product, which comes in a 100ml tube with "Made in South Africa" printed on the box, was discovered at discount stores in four states in the US.
The Colgate-Palmolive Company issued a consumer alert about the counterfeit toothpaste on June 14 after it was discovered at stores in Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.
The company said there are indications this product does not contain fluoride and may contain DEG.
DEG, a substance used in antifreeze and as a solvent, is a central nervous system depressant and potent kidney and liver toxin. It is reported to have been used as a cheaper alternative to the glycerine used in toothpaste.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this issue.
In a press release, the company said: "It does not use, nor has ever used, diethylene glycol as an ingredient in Colgate toothpaste anywhere in the world and does not import toothpaste into the United States from South Africa," adding that it was working closely with the FDA "to help identify those responsible for the counterfeit product."
JFDA Drug Directorate Director Laila Jarrar said the counterfeit product in question has not entered Jordan in any legal way. The association has been carrying out random inspections as a precautionary measure.
"So far, we have not found any of these counterfeit products during our regular inspections at pharmacies and stores," Jarrar told The Jordan Times yesterday.
"However, we ask that consumers be vigilant and examine the labelling to ensure it is not counterfeit," she added.
The counterfeit toothpaste is easily recognisable as it is labelled: "Manufactured in South Africa."
In addition, the counterfeit packages examined so far have several misspellings including: "Isclinically," "SOUTH AFRLCA" and "South African Dental Assoxiation."
Jarrar said consumers should check for the ingredient "diethylene glycol" also known as "diglycol" or "diglycol stearate."
Plant manager of the M. Haddad and Sons Co., licensed agent for the Colgate-Palmolive Company, Emad Khouly, said they conducted a widescale check on various outlets across the country but did not find the product in question.
"We conducted inspections in all major superstores as well as the smaller shops as part of our daily inspections but have not found this product here," Khouly told The Jordan Times.
"We have, however, informed the JFDA of our willingness to send our teams assist their efforts and those at the customs department to ensure that all products entering the country under Colgate-Palmolive are original," he added.
According to the plant manager, their daily inspections have in the past uncovered counterfeit products under the company's name. But he said these were isolated incidents and that lawsuits had been filed against the importers.
By Dalya Dajani
© Jordan Times 2007
