Counterfeit “GC Tooth Mousse” dental product found in Europe may contain cleaning agent ingredients

Latvia's Health Inspectorate, which supervises the safety of medical devices in the country, has issued a warning about a counterfeit dental care product, “GC Tooth Mousse”, found on the European Union market. The inspectorate received the information from Belgium's competent authority. The fake may endanger health, as laboratory tests found possible ingredients of industrial cleaning products in it. So far, the counterfeit has not been detected in Latvia.

What the analysis showed

The manufacturer of the original product is the Belgian company “GC Europe NV”. The counterfeit was offered on the Polish market through the online platform “Allegro”.

Laboratory analysis of the suspicious product indicated, with over 90% confidence, the possible presence of industrial cleaning agent ingredients. Its spectrophotometric profile matches two cleaning products: “Ajax Cleaner Powder – Oxygen Bleach” and “Comet Disinfecting Cleaner with Bleach”.

Possible risks

Based on the safety data sheets of these cleaning products, the inspectorate says using the counterfeit may irritate or chemically damage the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat and gastrointestinal tract. Nausea, vomiting and other signs of acute poisoning are also possible.

What to do if in doubt

If you suspect a purchased product is counterfeit, the inspectorate urges you to:

• stop using it immediately;
• keep the packaging and proof of purchase;
• contact the distributor;
• inform the Health Inspectorate.

Original “GC Tooth Mousse” products are available in Latvia, so consumers are asked to review the differences between the original and the fake shown in the inspectorate's images. Although the product is intended for professional use, consumers and dental professionals should pay attention to where it comes from and buy only from reliable, authorised suppliers.

The inspectorate notes that Latvian authorities' powers apply only to devices placed on the Latvian market, so ordering from another country or a foreign online platform means limited oversight. Suspected counterfeits in Latvia can be reported to the inspectorate's Medical Devices Supervision Division by phone at 67081611 or by email at pasts@vi.gov.lv.