Johnson & Johnson over-the-counter drugs recalled

The Food & Drug Administration announced today that Johnson & Johnson was voluntary recalling some batches of Children's Tylenol, Zyrtac, Benadryl, and Motrin products because of deficiencies in "potency, purity or quality." McNeil Consumer Healthcare is the division of Johnson & Johnson that is responsible for these products. Here's an excerpt from the New York Times story by Natasha Singer:

[The FDA] said it was investigating the plant where the products were made to make sure there were no other problems.

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Other products involved in the recall may contain foreign particles or inactive ingredients that may not meet testing requirements, the company said.

“The particles may be solidified product ingredients or manufacturing residue such as tiny metal specks,” Marc Boston, a McNeil spokesman, said.

McNeil did not undertake the recall because of adverse health reactions to the products, the company said, but it advised consumers to stop using them.

McNeil reports that the potential for serious medical problems is remote, but it advises parents and care givers not to give the products to children.