FDA shuts down plant for Johnson and Johnson

Johnson and Johnson, drug maker, has hit more difficulties. The Food and Drug Administration has temporarily shut down a medicinal manufacturing plant in Lancaster, Penn. Until the plant can pass an inspection like the one they failed, they will remain closed. Johnson and Johnson has already suffered some high profile setbacks over the past a number of months, on the heels of a large recall of children’s Motrin and Tylenol products.

Lancaster PA plant closes its doors

A plant run by a Johnson and Johnson-Merck Consumer Pharmaceuticals joint venture was ordered to halt production by the Food and Drug Administration, as outlined by CNN Money. FDA guidelines were not being met which is what the form 483 given to the plant meant. It is the second plant closure within the last few months for Johnson and Johnson, and a setback for the Johnson and Johnson-Merck joint venture. Mylanta, Immodium, and Pepcid were all made in this plant.

Newest plant closure for J and J

In May, Johnson and Johnson was ordered by the FDA to close a Fort Washington, Penn., plant for non-compliance with codes. Childrens Motrin and Tylenol were manufactured there. Two thirds of the employees were just laid off at the Fort Washington plant that was run for Johnson and Johnson by McNeil Consumer Healthcare. The Fort Washington plant was implicated in contaminating numerous shipments of children’s Motrin and Tylenol which were recalled in 2009. A Tylenol recall initiated May 6, 2010 recalled 130 more bottles of Motrin and Tylenol because it had been contaminated as well.

McNeil execs might need some of their own drugs

McNeil Consumer Healthcare has been lambasted by the FDA on an almost quarterly basis for years. McNeil and the Fort Washington plant have been regularly under investigation since 2003, and McNeil has issued five recalls of products in the last 8 months. One wonders if consumers can actually find medicine that won’t kill them.

Sources

Lancaster PA plant closing
money.cnn.com/2010/07/16/news/companies/johnson_fda_new_inspection_report/index.htm
Fort Washington plant closing
money.cnn.com/2010/06/22/news/companies/tylenol_plant_inspection_history/index.htm?postversion=2010062318