McNeil Consumer Healthcare is voluntarily recalling several popular over-the-counter medications after consumers reported a moldy, musty smell. A small number of people have experienced nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or diarrhea.
The smell is thought to be due to trace amounts of a chemical called 2,4,6-tribromoanisole (TBA), which is found in the wood pallets that house the packaging materials for the drugs. While scientists haven't extensively studied this chemical, so far no major health problems have been reported in the scientific literature.
Some of the products on the recall list include Benadryl, Extra Strength Tylenol, Rolaids, Motrin IB, Children's Motrin, Tylenol Arthritis, and more. You can find the full list (PDF) on the FDA's website.
