Johnson & Johnson has admitted to lapses that led to the recall of their over-the-counter children’s medicines. A congressional hearing panel has also accused them of being too “cozy” with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The world’s largest healthcare group disappointed the public when they insisted on putting products on the market that did not meet the FDA’s high quality standards. What is even more upsetting is the acknowledgment from an FDA official that the agency did not insist on Johnson & Johnson recalling known substandard batches of adult-strength Motrin caplets.
Secret Recall
In this Motrin recall, Johnson & Johnson not only failed to warn the public of the pill not dissolving properly, but they hired a team to go into stores and buy these products secretly. Critics have chastised the FDA for failing to recognize these events as a secret recall and for failing to put more pressure on Johnson & Johnson to tell consumers about the recall.
Manufacturing Defects Found
Millions of batches of Tylenol, Motrin, and Benadryl have been recalled since last spring for not meeting the FDA’s quality and safety standards. One of their plants in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, was shut down because of poor quality control. Further investigation showed that the products did not have as many active ingredients as stated and that they contained tiny metallic particles and bacteria. Fortunately, no serious sicknesses or deaths have been reported because of these defective products.
This is not the only incident that has people concerned about the safety of Johnson & Johnson’s over-the-counter medications. The company waited a full year before notifying the FDA of consumer complaints about musty and moldy odors coming from bottles of Tylenol and other medications. Some consumers experienced nausea and vomiting. Research traced the smell to a chemical known as tribromoanisole. This pesticide is typically used to treat wooden shipping pallets. The cause should have been determined much sooner. Unfortunately, Johnson & Johnson waited a full year before seeking assistance from the FDA.
Other Defective Johnson & Johnson Products
More recently, Johnson & Johnson recalled defective hip implants and contact lenses. All of these recalls will come at a cost of a mere $600 million dollars in lost sales. The company is accused of being more concerned with profits than with the well-being of their consumers, as well as “buddying up” with the FDA. While the FDA does not have as much power as some officials would like, they still had an arguably cozy relationship with Johnson & Johnson. Many of these products should not have been approved for the market in the first place.
Contact Us
If you have purchased a defective item from Johnson & Johnson company, and have questions about your rights as a consumer, contact our attorneys. We will provide you with a free consultation, answer any questions you have, and work with you to establish a claim. You may be eligible for financial compensation for any illnesses or injuries you may have sustained while taking the medication.
