FDA scolds maker of Tylenol for foot-dragging in recall

[Celebration]

http://www.latimes.com/news/nation-and-world/la-na-tylenol-recall16-2010jan16,0,5398231.story?track=rss

McNeil knew since September 2008 of odor and nausea problems with products such as Tylenol and Motrin but didn't begin a recall until November 2009. The FDA sent a warning letter today.


As McNeil Consumer Healthcare Products expanded its recall of various batches of Tylenol, Motrin and other over-the-counter products tainted by a chemical in wooden shipping pallets, the company today came under fire from the Food and Drug Administration for dragging its feet in investigating the contamination and pulling goods from store shelves.

"McNeil should have acted faster," said Deborah Autor, chief of compliance in FDA's drug office. "When something smells bad, literally and figuratively, companies must take all necessary actions" to fix the problem.

Autor said McNeil realized it had a problem with products in September 2008, but didn't notify the FDA until September 2009 and didn't begin recalling products until November.

Johnson and Johnson subsidiary.................