The US media reported that ingredients used by Johnson & Johnson in some of the 40 varieties of children's cold medicines recalled last week were contaminated with bacteria, according to the US Food and Drug Administration.
The DP Councilmember is urging the local government to look into this matter and consider removing the relevant products from the shelves in an effort to protect unsuspecting consumers. In addition Councilmember Maria Buncamper-Molanus is suggesting that the Commissioner discusses this situation with the recently transferred Inspectorate of Public Health and take immediate actions with respect informing the general population about the risks.
Buncamper continues to say that the US Agency officials said Tuesday last, that none of the company's finished products tested positive for the contaminants, though such testing is not definitive.
"I would like to advice the general public to do their own investigation. The FDA report, which was posted online, lists more than 20 manufacturing problems found at the McNeil Consumer Healthcare plant in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, where the formulas were made. Information provided through the US media and online state that the recalled products include children and infant formulations of Tylenol, Motrin, Zyrtec and Benadryl".
J&J's McNeil Consumer Healthcare unit has said some of the recalled medicines may have a higher concentration of the active ingredient than listed on the bottle. Others may contain particles, while still others may contain inactive ingredients that do not meet testing requirements.
While the FDA reiterated that serious medical problems with the products are unlikely, they advised consumers to stop using the medicine as a precaution. Parents are instructed to use generic alternatives instead Buncamper stated.
The local government has the responsibility to inform the people of St. Maarten and to take the necessary actions to protect them. In this case it is the health of our people that we are dealing with, thus the government is expected to act decisively and not wait until a problem occurs, Council Member Maria Buncamper-Molanus concluded.
