“LIKE brushing your teeth with bleach” – that is the warning after thousands of dangerous teeth-whitening products were seized by officials.
Over 15,000 products bound for UK shops – some containing extremely high levels of hydrogen peroxide (bleach) – were intercepted at the Coventry Parcelforce International Postal Hub between May 2015 and February 2016.
Some of the products, which had a total value of over £100,000, contained more than 33 per cent hydrogen peroxide – well over the maximum permitted level of 0.1 per cent.
Dentists have warned that bleaching kits with high levels of hydrogen peroxide can cause stomach problems, mouth infections, toothache, gum-shrinking and nerve damage.
Warwickshire County Council’s safety spokesman Coun John Horner said: “We are increasingly finding that many small businesses import their stocks direct from suppliers outside Europe.
“Unfortunately, in many areas of the world, consumers do not get the same levels of protection UK shoppers expect and receive and products we consider dangerous are regularly manufactured and sold.”
He added tooth whitening should only be carried out by a professional. Only registered dentists, hygienists, therapists or clinical dental technicians are permitted to carry out teeth whitening procedures.
Warwickshire businesses requiring further advice on importing goods or services in the UK should contact Warwickshire Trading Standards on 01926 414040.
