The Dominican Republic has clamped a ban on sales of two brands of Chinese toothpaste because they may contain a potentially lethal chemical.

An estimated 90,000 units of the toothpaste, imported from Panama and sold under the brand names Excel and Mr. Cool, have been confiscated by Customs and Public Health officials since late last week, government sources said yesterday on condition of anonymity.

They said the recall, ordered by Customs Director Miguel Cocco was prompted by warnings the toothpaste may have been tainted by diethylene glycol.

Alberto Flores, president of the Dominican Nephrology Society, said the chemical has been linked to kidney failure.

- Reuters