Moldy Smell Causes Recall of Johnson and Johnson Over-the-Counter Drugs

McNeil Consumer Healthcare branch Johnson and Johnson has recalled 21 lots of over-the-counter medication due to unusual moldy smell. The recall is a continuation of products recalled in January this year. Mold odors are linked to a treatment of pallets used to transport the medications. A total of 3 million bottles of product have been recalled in 2010.

Products affected by the recall include adult and children’s Tylenol, Benadryl, Rolaids, Simply Sleep, Motrin IB and St. Joseph’s Aspirin. Products included in the recall are sold in the United States, Puerto Rico, Fiji, Guatemala and parts of the Caribbean. It is not believed the mold smell associated with the recall causes diverse effects. Johnson and Johnson added the products in the recall as a precaution. However, users of the product claim the products caused nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea and vomiting.

The Johnson and Johnson Company is the largest manufacturer of health care products today. They have enjoyed a 67-year safety record until recently. Safety concern was first expressed to McNeil in 2008. However, efforts to investigate the claim were limited until complaints led to recall in late 2009. McNeil and the Food and Drug Administration continue to cooperate on the recall.

Many consumers of Johnson and Johnson products are looking for over-the-counter alternatives. Some believe it is better to pay more for a product that can be trusted and not use replacement products received form the Johnson and Johnson Company. Others may opt to prescription medication as an alternative. Johnson and Johnson will need to work hard to reclaim trust for their over-the-counter products.