Toxic Toothpaste Scandal Grows

At the same time, China cracks down on suspect food producers

The toxic toothpaste labeled under mostly discount brand names was distributed far more widely than originally thought, according to a New York Times investigation.

The Times found that hundreds of thousands of tubes of the toothpaste were purchased by state agencies and distributed for several years to those living in prisons, mental institutions and other state facilities — including some hospitals serving the public. Originally, the toothpaste was said to have been sold only in a limited number of discount stores. (To read the Times story, click here.)

The news comes on the same day China announced it is cracking down on suspect food producers. It has closed 180 food manufacturing facilities this year for a litany of violations, many involving toxic ingredients being used as cheap substitutes for pricier safe versions.

That's what happened with toothpaste. Poisonous diethylene glycol, which is used to make antifreeze and other chemicals, was used in the pace of glycerine, a nontoxic staple in toothpastes. The American public became aware of the myriad problems with food and drug production in China after the recall this spring of pet foods that were made with melamine and a related industrial chemical, which had been added to wheat and rice flour, labeled as wheat gluten and added to dozens of brands.

The scandals show how complicated the American food system is. With approved but little policed manufacturers in 170 countries around the world, and an American inspection crew at the Food and Drug Administration that has admitted it's not up to the task of checking imports, the potential for more toxic food scares is — unfortunately — an almost certainty.

These scandals remind us of the value of eating locally grown foods as often as possible. When you know your farmer, you are the inspector, and you police your own food supply.