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The Ministry of Health said today it is investigating reports that Indian toothpaste containing harmful bacteria and a toxic chemical is on sale in New Zealand.
The ministry said tests would be carried out immediately on Indian toothpaste to ensure it met New Zealand health standards.
It would also be contacting Canadian authorities who have issued health warnings on Neem toothpaste and have banned the product from being sold in their country.
Several Indian supermarkets in New Zealand contacted by NZPA said they stocked and sold the toothpaste.
Canadian tests showed the toothpaste, manufactured by Calcutta Chemical Co, contained unacceptable levels of antifreeze ingredient diethylene glycol (DEG) as well as high levels of harmful bacteria.
"This poses additional significant health risks, especially to children and individuals with compromised immune systems," Health Canada said.
Last week the Ministry of Health updated the list of Chinese toothpastes found in New Zealand containing DEG, after Institute of Environmental Science tests found 16 products with unacceptably high levels of the toxic chemical.
While the ministry stopped short of telling people to avoid all Chinese-made toothpaste, it advised people to check the ingredients - adding that DEG may be present even when not listed on the label.
Auckland's Discount House said it did not have stocks of Neem toothpaste today but would have some tomorrow.
Wellington's Ranchod Enterprises said it had also sold out but would have more of the product next week.
The Indian Supermarket in Christchurch said it had stocks of Neem in 100g tubes selling at $2.99. It did not have stocks of the 250g tubes that sold for $4.99.
Health Canada said potential adverse effects of ingesting products that contained unacceptable levels of harmful bacteria included fever, urinary tract infection, and gastro-intestinal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.
Infants, children and vulnerable populations such as patients hospitalised for severe underlying diseases or with compromised immune systems were more sensitive to these effects.
"Severe vomiting and diarrhoea could lead to potentially life-threatening dehydration. While toothpaste is not intended to be swallowed, it is often swallowed by young children."
DEG is used as a solvent as well as in antifreeze. It may cause nausea, abdominal pain, dizziness, urinary problems, kidney failure, breathing problems, lethargy, convulsions, coma and even death when ingested.
- NZPA
