Johnson & Johnson Issue Recall . . . Again

There's more trouble for Johnson & Johnson. The company issued a recall of nine million liquid Tylenol cold medicine bottles. The product was mislabeled and did not warn consumers the medicine contained alcohol. Three separate Tylenol Cold Multi-Symptom liquid products were recalled. The FDA requires manufacturers to list alcohol as an ingredient when used. However, these bottles did not acknowledge that alcohol was used in the flavoring agents.

A few days earlier, McNeil (a Johnson & Johnson division) recalled 800,000 bottles of junior strength Motrin and four million packages of children's Benadryl. Both products failed to meet manufacturing standards but the company says no threat was posed to consumers.

The Tylenol recall affects Tylenol Cold Multi-Symptom Daytime 8 oz Citrus Burst Liquid, with an NDC Code of 50580-257-08’ Tylenol Cold Multi-Symptom Severe 8 oz Cool Burst Liquid, with an NDC Code of 50580-351-08; and Tylenol Cold Multi-Symptom Nighttime 8 oz Cool Burst Liquid, with an NDC Code of 50580-269-08.

Fabric Protector Recalled Due to Respiratory Hazard

Claire-Sprayway Inc. and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a voluntary recall of Fabric Protector.  Overexposure to fumes, vapor or spray mist from the product can pose a serious respiratory hazard to consumers.
The firm has received 36 incidents of overexposure to fumes, vapor or spray mist, 34 of which involved coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath. One incident resulted in a serious respiratory injury.

The fabric protector was sold under the following brand names: Sprayway® No. 980 Industrial Fabric Protector; 3D Fabric Protector; Auto Brite Fabric Protector Guardatela; Auto Magic® Fabric Protector No. 91-S; Crystal Aire Products #680 Fabric Protector; Falcon Labs® Spotless Fabric Protector; Quiltprotect™ Spray; Robbie’s™ Fabric Shield; Showcar Fabric Protector and Simoniz® System 5 Stain Sentry Fabric Protector. The can size is 13.5 oz., and the product code is located on the bottom of the can.

The product was sold at automotive supply, auto detailing, upholstery, textiles, furniture and fabric stores nationwide from January 2005 through August 2010 for about $10.

Munchkin Recalls Bathtub Toys Due to Injury Risk

Munchkin and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a voluntary recall of Bathtub Subs do to a laceration hazard.  The toy submarine's bottom can suck up loose skin and injure children.  CPSC and the company are aware of 19 incidents of lacerations to boys' genital area. One of the incidents required medical attention.

This recall involves battery-operated bathtub submarine toys. The toy is yellow, has a smiling face, turquoise windows, an orange propeller and an orange periscope that turns the toy on and off. The intake valve has a water pump that sucks in water to propel the submarine. The toy is intended for use by children during bath time.

The submarine was sold at retail and children's stores nationwide from November 2009 through September 2010 for about $7.

Help Local Families this Thanksgiving with Tons of Turkeys

As part of the Messa & Associate's mission to help the local community, the firm made a donation to Tons of Turkeys.  The local, family-run nonprofit helps provide turkeys to 100s of underprivileged families throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs.  To learn more about the organization and make a contribution, visit www.tonsofturkeys.org.

Defective Drugs--Digitek

Even after a drug is known to be defective, it can pose a threat to consumers.  This is the case with Digitek.  A lawsuit has been filed against manufacturers Totowa and Mylan Pharmaceuticals, stating the companies knew the drug was defective yet still released it in "safer" single doses.  Allegedly, the plaintiff's son received a double dose and died.  The prosecution believes the manufacturers had the responsibility to design, manufacture and sell safe drugs to the public. 

Meridia--Higher Chance of Problems than Benefits

The prescription weight loss drug Meridia was withdrawn from the US market last month. The drug, manufactured by Abbott Laboratories, is linked to heart problems including heart attacks and strokes. While these were among the reported side effects, the FDA could no longer justify the drug after comparing Meridia's weight loss benefits to the risks.


A study found when taking the drug a person's chance of stroke, heart attack and death increases by 16% compared to those taking a placebo. In comparison, there was only a 2.5% body weight difference. Since, the FDA encouraged Abbott Laboratories to voluntarily recall Meridia.