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Several samples of Indian manufactured Neem toothpaste that may contain harmful bacteria and a toxic chemical have been found in New Zealand and will be sent for testing, Medsafe says.
A spokesman said Medsafe was still looking for the specific Neem toothpaste - Neem Active Toothpaste with Calcium manufactured by the Calcutta Chemical Co in India - that Canadian health authorities have said contained unacceptable levels of harmful bacteria and diethylene glycol (DEG).
"We have several samples here with us but are still looking for the specific one mentioned on the Health Canada website," the spokesman said.
The samples they had would be sent to ESR for testing on Monday and Medsafe expected results of the tests by the end of the week.
"Once we have the results then we will decide on the next course of action."
The Ministry of Health said on Tuesday that tests would be carried out 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 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.
Auckland's Discount House, Wellington's Ranchod Enterprises and the Indian Supermarket in Christchurch were some outlets that stocked Neem toothpaste.
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.
Neem Active Toothpaste with Calcium has been found in several stores in Western and Atlantic Canada.
Health Canada was taking all necessary steps to ensure that the products were taken off the market.
Last week the ministry 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.
- NZPA
