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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States recently warned that diethylene glycol makes up between 3 percent and 4 percent of some imported toothpastes from China.
Mr McKernan said Medsafe's investigations had identified 20 NZ companies importing toothpastes from China, and it was urgently contacting the importers for information on whether these toothpastes contained diethylene glycol.
The Just $2 chain had withdrawn the toothpaste from its shelves but consumers who had bought it were advised not to use it, Mr McKernan said.
"I advise consumers to check the label on their toothpaste and stop using any products labelled as being made in China or which list diethylene glycol as an ingredient'.
Not all Chinese-made toothpastes might contain the ingredient - which is also known as "diglycol' or "diglycol stearate' - but a cautious approach was necessary.
"While risk of toxicity from the levels of diethylene glycol in these toothpastes is moderately low, it is sufficient to pose a risk of harm to infants and children who eat or swallow toothpaste when cleaning their teeth,' Mr McKernan said.
"In addition, there are potential risks associated with using these toothpastes for individuals with liver or kidney disease'.
Anyone who developed symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headache, lethargy, weakness or confusion after using Chinese-made toothpaste, or otherwise has become unwell with symptoms of kidney or liver disease while using this toothpaste should seek medical advice promptly.
The Australian Government has issued a similar warning about two brands, Mr Cool and Excel, which are being withdrawn from sale after being found to contain diethylene glycol.
- NZPA
