Australian State Bans Chinese Toothpastes

Australian state Victoria will ban the importation of Chinese-made toothpastes. The decision follows the series of scandals in which a toxic chemical from China - diethylene glycol (DEG) - was used as a substitute for a sweetener.

DEG is usually used as an industrial solvent and antifreeze, but found its way in Chinese-made toothpastes in countries such as Panama and the United States.

The recalled toothpaste include Tri Leaf Spearmint, Cool Mate and Hei, which were found to contain up to 16 per cent DEG, compared with an acceptable level of 0.25 per cent, according to the Victoria Department of Consumer Affairs on its Web site.

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