Johnson and Johnson Company Recalls 4 Million Bottles of Mouthwash

Huge health and beauty aides producer Johnson and Johnson announced Wednesday that they were issuing a recall of over 4 million bottles of Listerine mouthwash. The recall applies only to two types of the mouthwash, which are marketed toward children.

Tests have revealed that the product was contaminated by microorganisms. The recall does not affect other Listerine products. The Agent Cool Blue line of products, which helps kids detect plaque on their teeth, is the only line of products affected by this recall. The recall is limited to two flavors, Glacier Mint and Bubble Blast.

The recall covers all products that have been sold since the product hit the market in 2006. To date, there have been no reports of illness due to use of the mouthwash. Company representatives have stated that the chance of such is low and would be more common in those with weakened immune systems.

The recommends that the product be thrown away. Consumers may receive a refund by visiting the product's website, www.agentcoolblue.com. A toll-free number has been set up for consumer concerns888-222-0249

The product is designed to show children where plaque is on their teeth by changing colors, allowing them to brush their teeth more effectively. The company has reported that they use preservatives in this product to prevent such occurrences and will research to find the root of the problem.

The company issued a press release yesterday with the following quote, "We have voluntarily initiated this recall of AGENT COOL BLUE™ Plaque-Detecting Rinse because our primary concern is that consumers have complete confidence in the safety and effectiveness of our products," said Paul Sturman, President, Consumer Healthcare North America, McNEIL-PPC, Inc. "This voluntary action is in keeping with our longstanding policy of providing timely and effective consumer information about all our products."

The United States is not the only country affected by this recall, residents of the following areas should also discard their product and contact the company for a refund. The Caribbean: Specifically Puerto Rico, Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Haiti, Netherlands Antilles, St. Lucia, St. Kitts, St. Vincent, Suriname, Trinidad

If you are unsure if you have this product the company has stated that if there is a cartoon character on the front of the package you should discard it immediately. No other Listerine products have been affected and you may continue using these products without worry.

The company is in the process of contacting dental professionals and retail outlets directly to assure the product is no longer distributed.

Sources:
AgentCoolBlue.com
Kansas City Star
WSMV News