Macclesfield Euro MP Brian Simpson has voiced his concerns about toxic toothpaste that has been important into Europe from China. The toothpaste mainly under the brand name TRILEAF has been supplied to hospitals, hotels and airlines in small travel pack sizes for use when people forget their own wash bag or in case of emergencies. Spain has confiscated over 100,000 items and Italy 20,000 tubes of toothpaste which are found to have contained diethylene glycol which is a thickening agent used in anti-freeze.
“Clearly I am concerned that no contaminated products entered the UK and I would warn all hospitals, hotel chains and airlines to ensure that they do not have any of this toothpaste in their travel or emergency toilet bags” said Mr Simpson.
The European Commissioner responsible, Magelena Kuneva is said to be very concerned and is to raise the whole issue of Chinese counterfeiting goods on a visit to China shortly. However Mr Simpson wants more urgent action to be brought in immediately.
“Earlier this year Chinese Pet Food was found to be tainted, now its toothpaste. In the US they have found tainted products from China in orange juice and fish, so frankly, something has to be done before we in the UK are faced with the problem. The best advice I can give to everybody is not to buy food products that are made in China, unless you completely trust your supplier” concluded the Labour MEP
