Reportedly, based on the investigation, McNeil Consumer Healthcare has determined that the reported uncharacteristic smell is caused by the presence of trace amounts of a chemical called 2,4,6-tribromoanisole (TBA). This can result from the breakdown of a chemical that is sometimes applied to wood used to build wood pallets, that transport and store product packaging materials.
A small number of the product lots being recalled were associated with the complaints of an unusual moldy, musty or mildew-like odor, and some of these lots were found to contain trace amounts of TBA. In December 2009, McNeil Consumer Healthcare also recalled all lots of Tylenol Arthritis Pain 100 count, with EZ-OPEN CAP related to this issue.
McNeil Consumer Healthcare has now applied broader criteria to identify and remove all product lots that it believes may have the potential to be affected, even if they have not been the subject of consumer complaints.
McNeil Consumer Healthcare is continuing their investigation into this issue and is taking further actions that include ceasing shipment of products produced using materials shipped on these wood pallets and requiring suppliers who ship materials to plants to discontinue the use of these pallets. McNeil said that it will continue to closely monitor and evaluate the situation and consult with the FDA.
McNeil Consumer Healthcare division of McNeil-PPC markets a range of over-the-counter (OTC) products.