The pharmaceutical company McNeil has not had a good year, and November marked multiple recalls by this manufacturing giant.
Earlier this month, McNeil recalled one product lot of ROLAIDS Extra Strength Softchews (cherry flavor). The affected lot number is 0053AG2, which is found on the back of the package. The reason: consumer complaint of an uncharacteristic consistency or texture, which is reported to be caused by crystallized sugar.
On November 15, McNeil announced the recall of Children’s BENADRYL Allergy FASTMELT tablets, and Junior Strength MOTRIN Caplets. This is an odd recall that sounds suspicious. According to the FDA recall notice:
This is a wholesale and retail level recall. No action is required by consumers or healthcare providers and consumers can continue to use the product. The recall was initiated after a review, conducted as part of McNeil’s Comprehensive Action Plan, revealed insufficiencies in the development of the manufacturing process. There is no indication that the recalled products do not meet quality standards, and this recall is not being undertaken on the basis of adverse events.
What the heck are “insufficiencies in the development of the manufacturing process”? And if the product is being recalled, why are consumers being urged to continue to use the product? This all sounds a little fishy, and it leaves one wondering what might be covered up in this recall notice, which says nothing to give consumers confidence in the products.
And now, the latest recall: three TYLENOL Cold Multi-Symptom liquid products. According to the recall notice:
McNeil Consumer Healthcare initiated the recall after an internal review revealed that information about the presence of alcohol from flavoring agents was noted as an inactive ingredient listed on the package, but not on the front panel of the product. Certain flavoring agents contribute small (< 1%) amounts of alcohol.
It sounds like someone needs to conduct a thorough review of the McNeil manufacturing process, from production to packaging. These multiple recalls do not engender confidence in the company. Let’s hope they get their act together before the spring allergy season!
To find out more about all McNeil product recalls, visit their special webpage: http://www.mcneilproductrecall.com/.
And on an overall safety note, if you notice that one of the medications you take does not look, smell, or taste the same as usual, file a complaint with the company. Many times, consumer calls are the only way a company will know that there may be a problem with the product.
