China is prohibiting the use of diethylene glycol — a chemical used in antifreeze — in toothpaste, Chinese media reported Wednesday.

The ban follows extensive recalls of toothpaste containing DEG in Asia, and in North and South America in recent weeks.

Health Canada has asked the Canada Border Services Agency to stop shipments of toothpaste, including this brand, originating in China.Health Canada has asked the Canada Border Services Agency to stop shipments of toothpaste, including this brand, originating in China.
(Health Canada)

"China forbade domestic enterprises to use diethylene glycol as the raw materials for toothpaste as of Wednesday after a number of countries banned the selling of toothpaste containing this chemical," the official Xinhua news agency reported Wednesday.

China initially defended the use of DEG in toothpaste, saying it did not pose a health risk and criticisms were largely based on protectionism. However, international scrutiny regarding the safety of imported Chinese products has prompted officials to announce they are stepping up quality inspections and regulations.

On Tuesday, the former head of China's food and drug watchdog was executed after a court found he had accepted bribes in exchange for approving untested medicine. In June officials said they closed 180 food factories found to be using formaldehyde, illegal dyes and wax.

CFIA tests vegetable proteins

Meanwhile, Canada's food watchdog is continuing to hold and test all shipments of vegetable proteins being brought into the country. Canadian Food Inspection Agency officials said in late May they had intercepted one shipment of corn gluten imported from China that tested positive for melamine — a chemical used to create plastics and fertilizer— and cyanuric acid.

The CFIA began screening for melamine after companies in North America issued a massive recall of pet food containing imported wheat flour containing melamine.

Health Canada has also asked the Canada Border Services Agency to stop shipments of toothpaste originating in China. Health Canada has found a total of 24 brands of Chinese toothpaste containing DEG in Canada, none of which had been approved for sale in the country.

With files from the Associated Press