13 Million Packages of Rolaids Recalled

Over 13 million packages of Rolaids recalled due to metal and wood particles.

ByABC News
December 10, 2010, 10:43 AM

Dec. 10, 2010— -- Johnson & Johnson recalled over 13 million packages of Rolaids antacids Thursday after reports that metal and wood particles were found in the products.

The voluntary recall of Rolaids Extra Strength Softchews, Rolaids Extra Strength plus Gas Softchews and Rolaids Multi-Symptom Plus Anti-Gas Softchews follows "a small number of adverse reports associated with the product being recalled," according to information posted on the Rolaid's website.

Vomiting, gum and tooth injury, and abnormal taste were among the adverse reactions reported. J&J's McNeil Consumer Healthcare business, which sells the products, stated that "risk of serious adverse health consequences [in connection with the recalled products] is remote," but have nonetheless advised consumers to discontinue use at this time.

The company says the materials were potentially introduced into the products during the manufacturing process at an outside plant but McNeil spokeswoman Bonnie Jacobs declined to provide ABC News with the identity of this third-party manufacturer.

While McNeil investigates the cause of the recall, the company has suspended production of Rolaids Extra Strength Softchews, Rolaids Extra Strength plus Gas Softchews and Rolaids Multi-Symptom plus Anti-Gas Softchews.

Johnson & Johnson have issued several recalls in recent months, including Children's Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Tablets, Junior Strength Motrin Caplets, and Extra Strength Rolaids Softchews in November.

That Rolaids recall was traced to crystallized sugar that had given the product an unusual texture, according to the Associated Press.

ABC News' Brian Hartman contributed to this report.