Poison found in fake tubes of Sensodyne toothpaste

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Tubes of original and mint flavour contain toxic levels of diethylene glycol, the medicines watchdog has warned.

It could be harmful to young children and anyone with an impaired liver or kidney function.

The contaminated batch, packaged in 50ml tubes which have both English and Arabic on them, has been sold at cut prices by 'unauthorised' suppliers.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency warned people who may have bought infected tubes to throw them away.

A spokesman said: "We believe that elderly patients, possibly with impaired liver and kidney function, may have purchased this stock due to lower prices in markets, discount shops and car boot sales."

"This product should not be found in legitimate retail outlets such as supermarkets, pharmacies and general stores."

Trading Standards officers have seized around 140 of the fake packs from market stalls and discount shops.

It is believed the contaminated toothpaste was imported from China.

A spokesman for GlaxoSmith-Kline, which makes the genuine Sensodyne, said: "These fake products are illegal and have no connection with GSK."

Authentic tubes of Sensodyne have packaging written in English and only come in 45ml and 75ml tubes.

Sensodyne Mint toothpaste is white in colour whereas the fake version has a green paste.

Both the genuine Sensodyne Original and the fake toothpaste have a pink coloured paste.

The affected batch code is PROD 07 2005/EXP 08/2008.