Fake Toothpaste!
| Published: 29th July 2007 11:52 |
A genuine pack of Sensodyne!
Staffordshire Trading Standards Officers are warning consumers to be aware of an illegal counterfeit version of Sensodyne toothpaste that has been found to be on sale in local markets and discount shops throughout the UK.
GlaxoSmithKline who manufacture the official brand of Sensodyne toothpaste have confirmed that these fakes have no connection with their own brand. The counterfeit toothpaste is falsely packaged with both Arabic and English text and is sold in a 50ml tube, a tube size that GSK do not sell.
The counterfeit version contains a potentially hazardous chemical - diethylene glycol (DEG). GlaxoSmithKline stated that they do not use DEG as an ingredient in their toothpaste anywhere in the world as the chemical can be toxic to young children and anyone with impaired liver or kidney function.
GlaxoSmithKline is working with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and Trading Standards in removing these products from sale.
How to identify the counterfeit packs
- The counterfeits are packaged in dual language packs with Arabic and English text. The two languages are on the carton and the tube. Two variants have been found: Sensodyne Original and Sensodyne Mint.
- The counterfeits are in 50ml tubes. GSK does not market this size of toothpaste tube in the UK.
What Consumers should do
- Only buy Sensodyne that is packaged in English-only packs from reputable retailers.
- Consumers who suspect they have purchased counterfeit toothpaste should discard the pack.
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