MIAMI -- A Florida company has issued a nationwide recall of toothpaste it imported from China and distributed to wholesalers, saying that the product may contain a poisonous chemical.

Hallandale-based Gold City Enterprise said the roughly 170,000 recalled toothpaste products may contain diethylene glycol, a thickening agent used in antifreeze and as a cheaper substitute for the sweetener glycerin. No injuries or illnesses have been reported.

Consumers were asked to stop using the products and throw them away, or return them to the stores where they bought them.

The toothpaste brands are:

Shir Fresh Mint Fluoride

Shir Fresh Ice Shir Mint Fluoride

Shir Fresh Cool Shir Mint Fluoride

Retailers were asked to examine inventories and notify customers about the recall.

The chemical can cause kidney and liver problems.