Earlier warnings for the U.S. found that the fake toothpaste contained an active ingredient found in anti-freeze.
The toothpastes contain high levels of diethylene glycol (DEG), a solvent used in antifreeze that can cause: "nausea, abdominal pain, dizziness, urinary problems, kidney failure, breathing problems, lethargy, convulsions, coma and even death when ingested," Health Canada says.
Additional testing of fake toothpaste in Canada also found them to have a dangerous bacteria which has not shown up in the U.S.
The bacteria, which belongs to the family that such as Salmonella and Escherichia coli (E-Coli), attacks the immune system and is a danger to children and the elderly.
The toothpastes, which have not been approved for sale in Canada, have appeared in dollar stores and Chinese markets. Health Canada stated that Colgate toothpaste approved for sale in Canada is safe for consumption and is labeled in English and French. The Chinese variety is labeled as manufactured in South Africa and contains numerous typos.
The toothpaste has also appeared in six U.S. states and has prompted an advisory from the Food and Drug Administration.
