Johnson & Johnson in the Hot Seat After Latest Recall

The Johnson & Johnson company has most likely permanently damaged their reputation with consumers all around the world. The FDA has stated their own disgust and anger over the lack of effort on J&J’s part to correct the numerous mistakes they were cited for in the past year. J&J’s company McNeil Consumer Healthcare is at the center of the debacle after they were forced to issue another recall. The recall was the fourth in just seven months.

The products recalled were designed for children including liquid forms Tylenol, Benadryl, Motrin, and Zyrtec. The FDA has yet to prove a link between more than 700 reported cases of side effects that are being attributed to one of the recalled medicines. 30 deaths are also being investigated. The cases were reported between January 1 of 2008 through April 30, 2010.

The FDA had cited the company several times in the last couple of years, but the McNeil plant was never officially closed. J&J has voluntarily closed the plant and is reportedly restructuring their staff and updating safety guidelines. However, this may be a little too late as far as the FDA is concerned. They have forwarded the case to the crime division of the agency. A congressional hearing began on Thursday in which members were allowed to question the actions of the FDA as well as J&J. The FDA has stated they may still enforce strict penalties against the company including seizures and criminal charges.  J&J has been accused of secretly trying to recall a bad batch of medicines without notifying the FDA.