STEVEN INSKEEP, host:
NPR's business news starts with toxic toothpaste and criminal charges.
The criminal charges have been filed against four men involved in importing and distributing toothpaste that contained a toxic substance. Prosecutors say the toothpaste was distributed in the United States from December 2005 until May 2007 and ended up in prisons and some hotels.
It contained a chemical commonly used in antifreeze and it can cause kidney and liver damage. The manufacturer in China had used it as a cheaper replacement for the usual toothpaste thickener, and the scandal added to fears about Chinese imports.
Also yesterday, the Senate approved a bill that would toughen consumer product safety laws. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
