Tylenol Recall Grows In Size And Controversy

PALM DESERT – A strange smell and upset stomachs are causing a massive recall, but some say the real problem is deeper than the sickness.

“The company knew about it for a long time, but waited a long time before the recall and that’s the problem,” says Mort Farina, Clinical Compounding Pharmacist.

For the second time in a month, Johnson and Johnson expanded a recall on over-the-counter medications because they smelled moldy and caused stomach problems. A total of 27 products have been recalled, including Tylenol, Rolaids and Motrin.

“It’s a little concerning, you give your kids this stuff and you think if it’s on the shelves it’s ok,” says Chris Worth.

Consumers aren’t the only ones upset. FDA officials say the company knew about the odor in 2008, but only recently took action. Now, consumer advocates are outraged.

“It should be weeks once there’s a discovery like this,” says consumer advocate, Steve Findlay.

The tainted medicine was made in this Puerto Rico plant. Johnson and Johnson says a chemical used in wood storage pallets seeped into empty bottles leading to the smell and sickness.

“It’s a bit alarming,” says Worth.

“They assume because it’s a big company they are going to do it right,” says Farina.

Pharmacists at Towne Center Compounding Pharmacy in Palm Desert are taking costumer safety into their own hands.

“We are going to take all of it off the shelves until we find out more about it,” says Farina.