Rolaids Recall Adds To Indigestion

When McNeil Consumer Healthcare recalled its product Rolaids the other day, it reminded consumers of a disturbing Big Pharma practice. From the press release (bold-facing is our own):

McNeil Consumer Healthcare, Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc. is voluntarily recalling all lots of ROLAIDS® Extra Strength Softchews, ROLAIDS® Extra Strength plus Gas Softchews, and ROLAIDS® Multi-Symptom plus Anti-Gas Softchews (full product details below) distributed in the United States.  McNeil is taking this action following some consumer reports of foreign materials in the product, including metal and wood particles. The company’s investigation has determined that the materials were potentially introduced into the product during the manufacturing process at a third party manufacturer. While the risk of serious adverse health consequences is remote, McNeil Consumer Healthcare advises consumers who have purchased these recalled products to discontinue use.

Morals of the story: Maybe reconsider that double cheeseburger in the first place, never assume Big Brand quality control, and "multi-symptom plus anti-gas softchew"? Wethinks the focus group for this consumer product was not focused on raw-food enthusiasts.