Toothpaste that could cause infection recalled

A healthcare company is recalling batches of toothpaste that could cause infection in people with weakened immune systems.

GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare NZ Ltd said today it was recalling four batches of Macleans Protect toothpaste after consulting with Medsafe.

"These batches do not fully comply with the microbial quality standards for these products," the company said in newspaper advertisements published today.

The recall affects 150g tubes of Freshmint with batch number 104470, 120g tubes of Freshmint with batch number 104598, 120g tubes of Mildmint with batch number 104469 and 120g tubes of Mildmint with batch number 105056.

While tubes from those batches posed little risk to most people, those who had a severely weakened immune system may be at risk of infection, GlaxoSmithKline said.

The recall applied only to the four specific batches of Macleans Protect Freshmint and Mildmint. No other Macleans product was affected. The toothpaste was sold at supermarkets throughout New Zealand.

Batch numbers could be found on the end of individual carton and on the crimped end of the toothpaste tube.

Consumers should return the product to their retailer for a full refund or phone 0800 550 560 with any queries.

- NZPA