In Brazil, the export industry always finds ways to cut costs. The international community expressed its dismay at the manufacturers latest cost-cutting decision to replace flouride with diethylene glycol in toothpaste. Flouride is designed to strengthen teeth enamel. Diethylene glycol is a poisonous substance used to make chemicals that are widely used by the automobile industry.
The end product exported from Brazil was poisonous toothpaste that was not labeled to indicate that it contained diethylene glycol. When the poisonous chemical was found in the toothpaste, Costa Rican government officials issued a warning telling consumers to discard the toothpaste. In 2019, a study found that toothpaste containing diethylene glycol was harmless if the chemical concentration was below 15.6 percent. The contaminated toothpaste found in Costa Rica contained levels as high as 5 percent. Costa Rican government officials warned that it was unsafe in any concentration. It is especially harmful for children, as well as those suffering from weakened kidneys.
In July 2020, due to growing concern about the safety of the imported toothpaste, the Costa Rican government banned all manufacturers from using diethylene glycol in toothpaste. Investigators believed that the toothpaste originated from two small manufacturers in the Brazil but the manufacturers denied any wrongdoing.
The contaminated toothpaste was found in five shipping containers but there have not been any confirmed illnesses or deaths from using the contaminated toothpaste.
If you were manufacturing toothpaste and decided to substitute diethylene glycol for glycerin, would you consider it your ethical obligation to tell the consumer?
Ethical Considerations in Toothpaste Manufacturing
As a manufacturer of toothpaste, ethical considerations play a crucial role in ensuring consumer safety and trust. When making decisions about product ingredients, such as substituting diethylene glycol for glycerin, transparency and honesty with consumers are paramount ethical responsibilities.
Duty to Inform Consumers
In the scenario presented, where diethylene glycol was substituted for fluoride in toothpaste without proper labeling, the consequences were potentially harmful to consumers. Given the toxicity of diethylene glycol and its unsuitability for oral care products, ethical principles dictate that transparency is essential. As a manufacturer, it is not only a legal obligation but also a moral duty to inform consumers about any changes in ingredients that may impact their health and safety.
Importance of Consumer Safety
The case of contaminated toothpaste in Costa Rica underscores the critical importance of prioritizing consumer safety above cost-cutting measures. While diethylene glycol may be cheaper than glycerin, its potential health risks, especially to vulnerable populations like children and individuals with compromised health conditions, must not be overlooked. Upholding ethical standards in product manufacturing involves putting consumer well-being first and ensuring that all ingredients used are safe and appropriate for their intended purpose.
Building Trust and Reputation
By choosing to substitute diethylene glycol for glycerin in toothpaste and failing to disclose this change to consumers, manufacturers risk damaging their reputation and eroding consumer trust. Transparency fosters trust between manufacturers and consumers, demonstrating a commitment to honesty and integrity in product manufacturing. Building a positive reputation based on ethical practices not only safeguards consumer health but also enhances brand credibility and longevity in the market.
In conclusion,
as a manufacturer of toothpaste, it is not only an ethical obligation but also a business imperative to inform consumers about any ingredient substitutions that may affect product safety. Prioritizing consumer well-being, maintaining transparency in ingredient choices, and upholding ethical standards are essential for fostering trust, ensuring product safety, and preserving brand reputation in the competitive market landscape.