Health Canada warns of more health risks linked to Neem toothpaste
- August 27, 2007 1:50 PM
- By Peter Hadzipetros
Tests on Neem Active Toothpaste with Calcium show the product contains harmful bacteria in addition to diethylene glycol, Health Canada warns.
The federal agency first issued a warning in July, saying the product that was sold in Western and Atlantic Canada contained unsafe levels of diethylene glycol (DEG), a chemical used in antifreeze.
Health Canada on Friday said the toothpaste manufactured by Calcutta Chemical Co. Ltd. in India posed serious health risks, particularly to children and people with weakened immune systems, if swallowed.
Possible side-effects of swallowing the bacteria include fever, urinary tract infection, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
The toothpaste has not been authorized for sale in Canada.
Health Canada reminds consumers that toothpastes that have been approved for sale in Canada will contain either an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN) or a Natural Product Number (NPN).
For more information, consumers can contact Health Canada at (613) 957-2991, or toll free in Canada at 1-866-225-0709.
About the Authors
- Tara Kimura
is a multimedia producer for CBCNews.ca.
Categories
Recent Entries
- Seymour Custom Solvent recalled over labelling
- Health Canada has recalled 16,000 Seymour Custom Solvent Blend and Water Blend aerosol products because they do not meet mandatory warning labelling requirements.... Continue reading this post
- Kids eyeglass cases recalled because of lead levels
- About 1,500 childrens' eyeglass cases have been recalled because paint on the cases contains lead levels in excess of federal standards.... Continue reading this post
- GUND board books pose choking hazard
- GUND Inc. and Health Canada have recalled three baby books because they come with a plastic handle that can separate from the book bind and pose a choking hazard.... Continue reading this post