Toothpaste Inspection and Quality Control

Warnings and rumors about a dangerous chemical in Chinese toothpaste made its way around the Internet starting on June 1rst 2007. The warnings and rumors were indeed true. According to the FDA ( The America's Food and Drug Administration ) , toothpaste manufactured in China could contain a poisonous chemical that's labeled as residual diethylene glycol (DEG). DEG is used as ingredient in anti-freeze and is used as a solvent. This is the main reason toothpaste inspections in China is crucial.

Hazardous levels of Residual Diethylene Glycol started showing up in toothpaste inspection reports that were found in several toothpaste products manufactured in China. A Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) procedure was created to accurately identify the levels of Residual Diethylene Glycol in toothpaste brands.Each brand of toothpaste will contain several of the following ingredients: an abrasive, sudser, unique flavors, fluorides, a humectant, whitening agent, preservatives, and water.

Key Points in the Quality Control Process for the Packaging and Marking of Toothpaste

Lab Testing

• It's critical for toothpaste inspection that actual product is pulled from the line and sent to verified 3rd party testing services who can verify the chemical composition of the product.

Packing Requirements

• Toothpaste has to be packaged in containers that have no defects and does not contaminate the toothpaste during shelf life.
• The toothpaste containers will be packed into an individual box or some form of another protective material.

Labeling Requirements

Each toothpaste container MUST be marked with the following information:

• The product name for the toothpaste as well as the registered trademark if any
• A list of any ingredients that are currently present in the batch of toothpaste.
• Volume and weight of the product
• A lot and batch number in Code or in number form
• Name and current address of the toothpaste manufacturer
• If the toothpaste contains fluoride, the title "FLUORIDE TOOTHPASTE" must be marked in letters with a height of 3 mm.
• The manufacturing date and expiry date of the product
• Safe Handling and Storage Conditions
• Country of Origin
• Instructions / Directions on the proper use of the product

So to be sure when importing toothpaste in China, have your toothpaste inspection procedure created for you by a highly qualified Intouch Quality Control Specialist.