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Health Canada warns of more health risks linked to Neem toothpaste

Monday, August 27, 2007 | 01:50 PM ET

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.

Advisory notice

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