Gilchrist & Soames is working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on a voluntary recall of our complimentary-sized .65oz/18ml toothpaste after independent tests showed some samples of the toothpaste manufactured in China contained diethylene glycol, or DEG. DEG is a poisonous chemical that is a solvent and used in antifreeze.

Once we learned from the FDA June 1 about the possibility of tainted toothpaste, we stopped shipping toothpaste to our hotel clients and quarantined all of our "Made in China" toothpaste. After conducting five rounds of independent testing of our toothpaste, we found the presence of DEG in some samples at levels exceeding FDA guidelines from one of the China suppliers. This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the FDA.

Hotels that received the recalled toothpaste are being asked to destroy any remaining inventory.

Hotel guests who may have received the recalled toothpaste are asked to safely dispose of it.

The FDA is not aware of any U.S. reports of poisonings from toothpaste containing DEG. However, the agency is concerned about potential risks from chronic exposure to DEG and exposure to DEG in certain populations, such as children and individuals with kidney or liver disease. DEG in toothpaste has a low but meaningful risk of toxicity and injury to these populations. Toothpaste is not intended to be swallowed, but the FDA is concerned about unintentional swallowing or ingestion of toothpaste containing DEG. Because of the small size of Gilchrist & Soames toothpaste tubes (.65oz/18ml), we believe risks may be reduced. However, we strongly encourage consumers to dispose of this toothpaste.

More information is available in the documents below, as well as at these FDA Web sites.

Gilchrist & Soames Voluntary Recall Information:
Voluntary Recall News Release
Frequently asked questions about the voluntary recall

China toothpaste recall Web site:
http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/pitusa06_07.html

FAQs on China toothpaste recall:
http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/toothpaste/faqs.html
http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/toothpaste.html

Please contact Gilchrist & Soames at 1-866-587-6542 if you need additional information.