Pharmaceutical giant, Johnson & Johnson, stumbled again with a recall of “more than 13 million packages of Rolaids heartburn products following consumer complaints of foreign materials in the product, including metal and wood particles,” Fox Business reports.
Fox explains that this “Rolaids recall adds to the growing list of over-the-counter products recalled by J&J over the past year, which have hurt its sales and tarnished its once-sterling reputation for product quality.”
The news source goes on to explain that “J&J’s McNeil Consumer Healthcare unit said Thursday it was recalling all lots of Rolaids Extra Strength Softchews, Rolaids Extra Strength plus Gas Softchews and Rolaids Multi-Symptom plus Anti-Gas Softchews distributed in the U.S.
While McNeil called “serious adverse health consequences” unlikely, Fox reports that the company still advised consumers who purchased these “recalled products to discontinue use.” Although the company failed to identify the third party manufacturer of these products, they claimed “that the foreign materials were potentially introduced into the product during the manufacturing process” at that location, according to Fox.
The news source further explains that the production of these recalled products has been suspended until “corrective actions have been implemented.” However, this represents just the latest public relations setback as the company attempts to rebound from recent product recalls and failed FDA inspections of their manufacturing facilities.
A Wall Street Journal article explained that a recent inspection that took place between September and early November of this year ended with FDA officials finding “that J&J failed to follow written quality-control procedures, didn’t properly investigate manufacturing snafus, released into the market drug products that should have been rejected for quality violations” and committed several other violations.
Although that Wall Street Journal article reported that “J&J said it has provided a detailed response to the FDA and will work to address these most recent observations,” this latest Rolaids recall indicates continued problems.
Fox Business explains that “J&J has issued a series of recalls of medicines including Tylenol, Benadryl and Motrin, for various quality lapses such as excessive concentrations of active ingredients and musty odors.” The article further alleges that “J&J’s handling of the recalls has sparked investigations by government entities, including a criminal probe by the Justice Department.”
Fox reports that “The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform also has probed the recalls.” The article alleges that the “incoming chairman, Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) issued a statement Thursday saying the ‘most recent recall reinforces the Committee’s ongoing investigation surrounding the safety protocols in place at J&J’s facilities and how the [Food and Drug Administration] is managing food and drug safety.’” Fox reports that the statement continued, saying “The committee will continue to seek answers from J&J and the FDA.”
If you or a loved one has experienced serious side effects or health complications with a Johnson & Johnson product, contact Newsome Law Firm and fill out a case evaluation form today. Our team of attorneys has experience specific to complications associated with hazardous medication. Not only can they give you the legal guidance you need, they can help you get the compensation you deserve.
References:
Loftus, Peter. (December 9, 2010) “J&J Recalls Rolaids on Worries of Metal, Wood in Product.” Retrieved on December 13, 2010 from Fox Business.
Loftus, Peter. (November 28, 2010) “J&J Suffers Another Manufacturing Blow.” Retrieved on December 13, 2010 from The Wall Street Journal.