Caveat Emptor : DO NOT BUY TOOTHPASTE FROM 99¢ STORES

Colgate said that 5-ounce tubes of counterfeit toothpaste sold in discount stores in NJ, NY, Pennsylvania and Maryland under a Colgate label are being recalled because they may contain a poisonous chemical (diethylene glycol) typically found in anti-freeze. Agggggghhhh!

"Made in South Africa" is printed on the box and it includes Regular, Gel, Triple and Herbal versions. So, go check your medicine cabinets!!!!

The company said it does not use, nor has it ever used, diethylene glycol as an ingredient in Colgate toothpaste anywhere in the world. Furthermore, "Colgate does not import toothpaste into the United States from South Africa. In addition, the counterfeit packages examined so far have several misspellings including: 'isclinically,' 'SOUTH AFRLCA' and 'South African Dental Assoxiation."

"Counterfeit toothpaste is not manufactured or distributed by Colgate and has no connection with the company whatsoever,'' the company said, adding that Colgate is working closely with the FDA "to help to identify those responsible for the counterfeit product.''

In related news, I visited one of my favourite 99¢ stores last night in Staten Island and picked up two fabulous refrigerator magnets. One which reads: "Proud to be AMERICANS" and another that says "There's nothing better THEN a cold beer".