Thursday, February 19, 2009

Consumer Alert: Fake Toothbrushes

Saw this article in the Toronto Star Online, here's the teaser quote:

OTTAWA – Consumers and retailers should be cautious when buying toothbrushes after counterfeit products bearing brand names were found on the Canadian market, Health Canada warned Monday.

The toothbrushes are falsely labelled as Colgate Massager, Colgate Navigator, Oral B Classic 40, Oral B Contura and Colgate 360.

"If an imitation is suspected, consumers should stop using them immediately, as the quality, safety and effectiveness of counterfeit products cannot be assured," Health Canada said in an advisory.

Retailers with stock from Canadian importer AG Liquidation should check their products for authenticity and remove any they suspect to be bogus, the agency said.

Last July, a public advisory was issued about a sham Oral B Classic 40 toothbrush being sold. Health Canada received a report of toothbrush bristles dislodging and catching in a consumer's throat.


Source: The Toronto Star Online, http://www.healthzone.ca/health/article/588359, viewed Feb 19/09

Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100