On this page
Risks and injuries from the product
Diethylene glycol (DEG) is a toxic substance when ingested. It can cause poisoning and internal injuries.
Children or individuals with kidney or liver disease are at higher risk of illness from ingesting DEG, as it may cause kidney and liver failure.
Symptoms of DEG poisoning include:
- diarrhoea
- convulsions
- fever
- inability to pass urine
- liver failure
- kidney failure
- renal failure
- vomiting.
Products the ban applies to
Toothpastes containing more than 0.25% by weight of diethylene glycol (DEG), a poisonous substance, are banned.
Some overseas manufacturers use DEG as a replacement for glycerine in toothpaste.
You can check if DEG is listed in the product ingredient information. It should be on the product or its packaging.
View the full details of this ban at Consumer Protection Notice No. 4 of 2009.
Penalties for supplying banned products
Supplying a banned product can result in the ACCC taking action. This may result in a:
- fine
- court enforceable undertaking
- disqualification from being a company director
- court action with penalties
- product recall.