Travel Alert: Dangerous Hotel Toothpaste

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

14 Aug 2007 08:55 PM

Is nothing sacred anymore? A word of warning to all of you travelers: If you took home complimentary toothpaste from your most recent hotel stay beware. A supplier that provides toiletries to luxury hotels has recalled tubes of toothpaste that are potentially toxic. Take a look in your toiletry kit immediately and look for the Gilchrist & Soames label. If you see a tube with that name on it, dispose of the toothpaste right away.

The toothpaste was made in China. Yes, the same country that has come under scrutiny for manufacturing faulty tires, toys that make kids sick, and pet food that has done in a number of dogs, is now being blamed for distributing toothpaste that has tested positive for containing a potentially toxic chemical.

The toothpaste that was distributed to a number of luxury hotels has been recalled because of dangerous manufacturing methods. Gilchrist & Soames announced it is recalling its 18-milliliter or 0.65-ounce tubes with the name Gilchrist & Soames on it. The company says several samples of the little complimentary size toothpaste tubes showed traces of diethylene glycol, a chemical found in antifreeze that can be toxic to the kidneys and liver.

West Virginia's Greenbrier is one of the luxury resorts in the United States that uses Gilchrist & Soames lotion, shampoo, conditioner and bath gel, but not the brand's toothpaste. According to the Gilchrist & Soames website, the company is "the only branded toiletries company dedicated to the luxury hotel market." The latest find regarding the toothpaste is obviously not something to brag about. However, if you have visited any of the luxury properties that Gilchrist & Soames serves then you should take the warning seriously. The resorts include The Greenbrier in West Virginia, The Properties at Pebble Beach in California and Plaza on the River in London.

According to the Food and Drug Administration, as of today, there have been no known reports of poisoning from the toothpaste in the United States.

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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