Two types of children’s Tylenol recalled

From BabyCenter.com

Fri, Jan 15, 2010 (BabyCenter News) — McNeil Consumer Healthcare, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, has announced a recall of two types of children’s Tylenol.

This recall is part of a larger product recall that includes various over-the-counter drugs — including adult medications — made by McNeil.

The drugs are being recalled due to reports of an unusual, moldy, musty, mildew-like odor. In a small number of cases, the odor has been linked with symptoms like nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhea.

The types of children’s Tylenol being recalled include:

* Children’s Tylenol Bubblegum Meltaway 30 count (NDC Code # 50580-519-30, UPC Code # 300450519306), lots AHA069 and SPA022
* Children’s Tylenol Grape Meltaway 30 count (NCD Code # 50580-518-30, UPC Code # 300450518309), lots AHA023 and AHA057

The lot numbers are printed on the side of the bottle label.

McNeil is recalling all product lots with any chance of being affected, even if they haven’t been the subject of any consumer complaints.

The company has determined that the odd smell is caused by trace amounts of a chemical called 2,4,6-tribromoanisole (TBA), which is a known breakdown product of a pesticide and flame retardant used to treat the wooden pallets that store and move the medicine bottles.

In addition to the recall, McNeil says it will stop shipment of all products that use materials transported on these wooden pallets and require all of its suppliers to discontinue using the pallets.

The recall comes after McNeil received a warning letter from the United States FDA. The agency criticized the company for failing to react quickly enough to consumer complaints.

(Editor’s note: BabyCenter is also owned by Johnson & Johnson.)