Federal prosecutors have charged Johnson & Johnson in a huge kickback scheme and the FDA has been critical of the pharmaceutical company for its slow response in recalling some of its most popular drugs. Both are serious public relations set backs for a company that had been considered the gold standard for responding to crises. Since the company’s handling of the Tylenol recall in 1982, Johnson & Johnson has fallen from its lofty perch.
The latest recall involves Tylenol, Motrin, Benadryl, Rolaids, Simply Sleep and St. Joseph. The recall has been expanded and involves a moldy odor that appears to have been caused by a chemical that’s used to treat wood pallets used to store and transport the OTC drugs. Those affected by the pills have reported nausea and stomach problems. However, none of the reports have mentioned serious health concerns.
According to the American Chemical Society, “The chemical 2,4,6 tribromoanisole (TBA) is closely related to 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (TCA), the culprit behind wine’s Cork Taint. 2,4,6 tribromoanisole is the reason for the McNeil Health nationwide recall of all lots of Tylenol Arthritis with the red EZ OPEN CAP. This chemical is responsible for a musty odor, as well as gastrointestinal distress.”