Hazard type

Internal injury
Poisoning by ingestion

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.

Toothpaste being put onto a toothbrush

View the full details of this ban at Consumer Protection Notice No. 4 of 2009.

What to do if a banned product is being sold

If you are supplying the product

If you become aware that you are supplying a banned or unsafe product, you must:

  1. immediately stop supplying the product
  2. conduct a product recall and let consumers know
  3. notify the ACCC within 2 days of taking recall action.

If you find the product for sale

If you’re aware of any banned or unsafe products being supplied in Australia, you can report the unsafe product to the ACCC.

Report an unsafe product

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.