We did it! Kind of...

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! To all who have signed, shared and supported this petition to get Crest's attention to remove their plastic microbeads from their toothpaste products. Crest has responded to me, and claims that all microbeads will be out within 6 months and completely phased out by March 2016. Crest is patting themselves on the back, however, legislation in both Illinois and New York have been passed and will restrict and later ban the sell of any drug or cosmetic product containing these microbeads. It has been argued that the microbeads are getting into our water systems and are not strained in treatment facilities thus we are ingesting these particles unknowingly. This is not only a win for the environment, but also for human health. I have contacted the FDA and their response is as follows: "Crest made an announcement this week that it will remove polyethylene from its toothpaste because of consumer preferences. FDA has not changed its position on polyethylene as an additive. If polyethylene is used as a color additive for drug and cosmetic, the regulation that addresses the requirements is found in 21 CFR 74.3106. For any additional questions please contact the Division of Drug Information (CDER) at (855) 543-3784 regarding over the counter (OTC) drug products." I may contact them again since they failed to answer all my questions. Furthermore, Crest is claiming that the FDA approves the microbeads in food. According to what I received from the FDA it is not approved in food, but in "drug and cosmetics" as a colorant. The ADA has also come out in saying that they will not retract their seal of acceptance. Which is undiscerning considering many dental health professionals have been at the forefront of this issue, fighting for patient's oral health. I have contacted them as well and look forward to any response I receive. http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2ku_5kARQjM/SzQJ5IDYIWI/AAAAAAAAAFY/FCSE0V8uNlY/s400/ada_seal.gif