FOOD SAFETY: Canada Bans Brand of Neem Toothpaste

Canadian health authorities have issued a second warning on the use of a toothpaste made in India. From  Health Canada's Aug. 24 advisory (reproduced in full below, along with the original July 26 warning about an ingredient also found in antifreeze):

Further to the Health Canada warning issued July 26, 2007, further testing on Neem Active Toothpaste with Calcium, manufactured by Calcutta Chemical Co. Ltd in India, has revealed that in addition to unacceptable levels of diethylene glycol (DEG), the product also contains high levels of harmful bacteria. This poses additional significant health risks, especially to children and individuals with compromised immune systems.

Health Canada continues to advise Canadians to discontinue use of this product. Potential adverse effects of ingesting products that contain unacceptable levels of harmful bacteria include fever, urinary tract infection, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Infants, children and vulnerable populations such as patients hospitalized for severe underlying diseases or with compromised immune systems are more sensitive to these effects. Severe vomiting and diarrhea could lead to potentially life-threatening dehydration. While toothpaste is not intended to be swallowed, it is often swallowed by young children.
(full warnings below)

In a sign of how much more part of Canada South Asians are than in the U.S., you can see below that Health Canada also issues the same releases in Hindi and Punjabi.

Anyone know if this is available for sale in the U.S.? I see it's still being sold online at places like Neem Genie in the UK:

In our opinion this toothpaste epitomises the many qualities of Neem in one product.

    * Neem kills the bacteria that cause tooth decay.
    * Neem kills the bacteria that cause Pyorrhea and Gingivitis. (Gum disease)
    * Neem prevents cell adhesion and helps to control plaque
    * Neem is very effective in areas of pain control

All the staff at Neem Genie use N/A we know of no other toothpaste with these qualities.
Neem Active contains bark extract which has unique properties and is not as bitter as other products from the tree. Neem Active toothpaste is competitively priced, flavoured with spearmint and is pleasant to use.
Ingredients:- Neem extract, calcium carbonate, Spearmint, one part per 1000 flouride.
A percentage of the proceeds from Neem Active Toothpaste goes towards the planting of more trees.

Has the manufacturer, the Calcutta Chemical Company, responded to any of this? Please help us update this story. Post your comments below.

from: Health Canada - Advisories, Warnings & Recalls
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/2007/2007_108_e.html

2007-108
August 24, 2007
For immediate release
Neem Active Toothpaste with Calcium found to pose additional health risks

OTTAWA - Further to the Health Canada warning issued July 26, 2007, further testing on Neem Active Toothpaste with Calcium, manufactured by Calcutta Chemical Co. Ltd in India, has revealed that in addition to unacceptable levels of diethylene glycol (DEG), the product also contains high levels of harmful bacteria. This poses additional significant health risks, especially to children and individuals with compromised immune systems.

Health Canada continues to advise Canadians to discontinue use of this product. Potential adverse effects of ingesting products that contain unacceptable levels of harmful bacteria include fever, urinary tract infection, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Infants, children and vulnerable populations such as patients hospitalized for severe underlying diseases or with compromised immune systems are more sensitive to these effects. Severe vomiting and diarrhea could lead to potentially life-threatening dehydration. While toothpaste is not intended to be swallowed, it is often swallowed by young children.

Neem Active Toothpaste is not approved for sale in Canada. Fluoride-containing toothpastes that have been approved for sale in Canada will contain either an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN) or a Natural Product Number (NPN).

Consumers are advised to monitor the Health Canada Web site for additional updates on this issue and for previous health warnings on toothpaste.

Consumers requiring more information about this advisory can contact Health Canada's public enquiries line at (613) 957-2991, or toll free at 1-866-225-0709.

Punjabi version (PDF version) (62.8 KB)
Hindi version (PDF version) (55.8 KB)

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Media Enquiries:
Health Canada
(613) 957-2983

Public Enquiries:
(613) 957-2991
1-866 225-0709

Last Updated: 2007-08-24

o o o o o

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/2007/2007_93_e.html Warning              2007-93               July 26, 2007               For immediate release              Neem Active Toothpaste with Calcium in Canada found to contain diethylene glycol              OTTAWA - Health Canada is warning Canadians not to use Neem Active Toothpaste with Calcium, manufactured by Calcutta Chemical Co. Ltd. in India and found on the Canadian market, because it has been found to contain unacceptable levels of diethylene glycol (DEG). UPDATE -- August 24, 2007: Neem Active Toothpaste with Calcium found to pose additional health risk              DEG is a poisonous chemical used in antifreeze and as a solvent. It may cause nausea, abdominal pain, dizziness, urinary problems, kidney failure, breathing problems, lethargy, convulsions, coma and even death when ingested. While toothpaste is not meant to be swallowed, it is often swallowed by young children. The potential health risks from chronic exposure to DEG are a particular  concern in specific vulnerable populations such as children and consumers with  kidney or liver disease.              This warning follows  previous warnings from Health Canada about Chinese  toothpastes with DEG.              Neem Active Toothpaste with Calcium has been found in several stores in Western and Atlantic Canada, but may also be available in stores across the country. Health Canada is taking steps to ensure that the products are taken off the market.              Neem Active Toothpaste with Calcium is not approved for sale in Canada.  Fluoride-containing toothpastes that have been approved for sale in Canada will contain either an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN) or a Natural Product Number (NPN).              Consumers in possession of this toothpaste are advised to discontinue use immediately and ensure that these products remain out of the reach of children. Consumers should return the product to the store they bought it from. To date, Health Canada has not received any adverse reaction reports of DEG toxicity related to Neem Active Toothpaste with Calcium. The product is not authorized for sale by Health Canada. Health Canada is in the process of testing other unauthorized toothpastes and will update the public as information becomes available.              Consumers requiring more information about this advisory can contact Health Canada's public enquiries line at (613) 957-2991, or toll free at 1-866-225-0709.              To report a suspected adverse reaction to this health product, please contact the Canadian Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Program (CADRMP) of Health Canada by one of the following methods:              Telephone: 1-866-234-2345               Facsimile: 1-866-678-6789              CADRMP               Marketed Health Products Directorate               Ottawa, ON, AL 0701C               Email: cadrmp@hc-sc.gc.ca              The CADRMP adverse reaction reporting form, including a version that can be  completed and submitted online, is located in the MedEffect Canada area of the Health Canada Web site.              Punjabi version (PDF version) (100 KB)               Hindi version (PDF version) (95.1 KB)                           -30-                           Media Enquiries:               Health Canada               (613) 957-2983              Public Enquiries:               (613) 957-2991               1-866 225-0709