Hong Kong to probe Colgate toothpaste over cancer-linked ingredient

Hong Kong's Customs and Excise Department is to look into a report that Colgate's popular Total toothpaste contains triclosan, a chemical linked to cancer.

Triclosan is not banned in Hong Kong. A Department of Health spokesman said 13 registered pharmaceutical products being sold in the city contained the chemical as an active ingredient.

The spokesman added that no reports of adverse reaction to the chemical had been received and toothpaste was not classified as a pharmaceutical product.

Bloomberg reported on Monday that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had released 35 pages of documents from Colgate that summarised toxicology studies on triclosan, which is used to stave off gum disease.

The documents were released earlier this year in response to a lawsuit over a Freedom of Information Act request.

A departmental spokesman said: "As regards a report saying that Colgate Total contains triclosan, Hong Kong Customs will look into the report, and seek professional advice from the Department of Health on health concerns."

Under the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance, it is an offence to supply, manufacture or import into the city consumer goods unless they comply with "general safety requirements", the spokesman said.