Listerine Agent Cool Blue Recall

Just when consumers thought it couldn't get any worse with products being contaminated, Johnson and Johnson decided to issue a press release for the recall of their children's Listerine product. The semi-new product marketed for children has been found to be contaminated with microorganisms.

According to a spokeswoman on Wednesday, the company's McNeil-PPC Unit has recalled nearly 4 million containers of the Bubble Blast and Glacier Mint flavored Listerine Cool Blue Agent plaque-detecting rinse. Basically, the recall is for all of the released bottles which have only been distributed since the launch of the product last year. The company also pointed out that it is only the children's Listerine that is being recalled since it is alcohol-free, whereas the regular Listerine products are not.

Apparently after the company did some product testing, they found that the children's mouthwash was riddled with microorganisms despite their use of preservatives. Currently the company has shown no reports of health problems due to the use of the contaminate product. They added that the actual risk of illness is low, except for consumers with weakened or suppressed immune systems.

So what should consumers do if they currently possess and use this product? McNeil-PPC Inc. suggests discontinuing the use of the product as well as disposing of the remaining product properly. Consumers also have an option of a refund on the contaminated product. Consumers may call the toll free number consumer line, 1-888-222-0249, or they may go to the website listed below to download a form for mail-in.

If consumers have any concerns or questions about the product and the recall, they are advised to speak with their healthcare professional or contact the McNeil-PPC Inc. consumer line that is listed above.

My Personal Notes

As a consumer with a child that has been using the product since it launched, I am slightly concerned and troubled over the contamination of microorganisms. After seeing the recall on the late news Wednesday night I immediately took the product from my son's bathroom and disposed of it. However, does this make everything better and will there be further information later about possible health risks to his precious teeth and gums? Personally, before being aware of the recall I had noticed a problem with his gums and teeth hurting, but since I am not a physician I cannot say if the Listerine caused it. However, I am sure there will be other parents asking themselves the same questions. It will be interesting to see what the McNeil-PPC Inc. consumer hotline has to say about such reported "problems".

So now in a highly technical world we have moved from not only having contaminated produce, peanut butter, and pet food but to having products for our children that are not safe. A product that was produced to help promote good oral hygiene in children has turned into something bad, and why? What is happening in our country where major companies such as Johnson and Johnson release a product for children and nearly a year later test to find out that it is riddled with microorganisms? Companies are definitely dropping the ball lately with consumer health and safety, but what can they do to prevent things like this from happening? If I had the answer to that question I would be an executive for one of them, I suppose.

Sources

-Agent Cool Blue Website. URL: http://www.agentcoolblue.com/#anc-pressrelease . 07Apr12.

-WTOPNews Online. URL: http://www.wtopnews.com/index.php?nid=34&sid=1112935. 07Apr11. Associated Press