U.S. officials "throw out toothpaste" made in China

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Opinion
Barry Artiste, Now Public Contributor

No Big Surprise here to Now Public Readers of my past reports.

This toothpaste is usually found in Dollar Store style outlets in the US and possibly Canada. In Canada one only has to go to your local Dollar, 99 cent or similar low cost outlet to find many consumer products complete with deceptive packaging, leading some to believe they are "Name Brand" products. It is pretty easy to see that these manufacturers try and fool us by using deceptive product packaging of similar design and logos of name brands such as Eggo Waffles, Colgate, Crest etc, confusing some customers and especially dangerous to immediate danger to life and health (IDLH) to the elderly, low income families, persons with high blood pressure, children, people with immune deficiencies, and especially diabetics and immigrants and Canadians with limited english skills .

Consumers should also be wary of similar looking deceptive packaged items, that make consumers believe are Comet, Windex, Lysol, Pet Food, as well as Brand Name food products, when upon closer inspection, these are low quality generic of unknown ingredients and possibly unsafe products sold in these low cost outlets. They are not necessarily counterfeit products as they just fall under the wire being labelled counterfeit.

You may ask how can they get away with this? Well, Industry Canada's website clearly states the trademark infringement contraventions here, but with so many counterfeit and deceptive, though non counterfeit products out there. Think before you buy any conterfeit products that could put you in potential IDLH , such as Corning Ware, Lamps, extension cords, electronic components, etc. You may be in for a surprise when it comes time to make a claim against the manufacturer or your insurance company, if the company discovers counterfeit products caused your home to burn down or personal injury, your claim most likely will be denied. It has been discovered that electronics and electrical products sold in these lowcost outlets, now come with counterfeit Canadian Safety Association (CSA) and Underwriters Laboratories Council (ULC) stickers, leaving consumers with a false sense of security. If it sounds too cheap to be true "IT IS". Believe it or not it has been reported that Name Brand big name stores have been duped in carrying these products. At least you have recourse with these stores, if you have a receipt. With hundreds and thousands of electrical and electronic products made in China and in Canadian homes, I unplug all these items, until I need them, then unplug them after disuse. Just a precaution. I had both a corning ware dish and a pyrex dish explode on me as I was taking it out of the oven. (These were Christmas presents) I later found out they were counterfeit.

There is little enforcement manpower, the status quo will remain the same for many years to come. With the wave of counterfeits and deceptive packaging. Consumers looking to save a buck, should adhere to "Buyer Beware".

Below is a brief excerpt of the following CBC Consumer affairs story

U.S. government officials warned consumers on Friday to avoid using toothpaste made in China because it may contain a poisonous chemical used in antifreeze.