Food recalls are always a problem for me, especially with the year we have had with the abundance of recalls. Yet to escalate the scary news up a notch, there are the health recalls–products that could be suspect. Once again Tylenol is garnering those headlines.

Plenty of people will say there is no such thing as bad press–that all press is good. I am in a different camp. this is especially true when we discuss medicine and dosing. In a voluntary recall–note the word voluntary, the makers of Children’s and Infants’ Liquid Tylenol have recalled some specific lot numbers for possible bacteria.

My problem with such a recall is that the topic is not being discussed enough; that the specific lot numbers could still be on shelves in 1000′s of locations. How does the manufacturer,  the FDA or the whatever plan to notify every little store owner that they may have a product that should be pulled from the shelves? If we need to buy liquid Tylenol for young ones during the flu season, are we supposed to walk around with a lot number printout? Seriously.

In a case of supreme irony, or sick humor, depending on your viewpoint, to the right of the listed recalled items are 5 coupons for future Tylenol purchases! This what we call “the hand-that-feeds you” marketing approach: We want your love.

Coupons aside: Voluntary recalls have some value. We are supposed to feel all fuzzy about such a positive action. Somehow I’m not there. The public deserves full disclosure and a more widespread, acknowledged approach.

Am I right, FDA? Are you going to move forward on this? Time to notify consumers and retailers is NOW.

How is everyone to know?