Congressional probe into J&J plant expands to include questions about PediaCare recall

Congressional probe expands to PediaCare recall

INDIANAPOLIS — A Congressional committee has started asking questions about the recall of PediaCare children’s medicines linked to a Johnson & Johnson plant plagued by manufacturing problems.

Blacksmith Brands Inc. recalled four PediaCare cold and allergy products last week because they were made at a Fort Washington, Pa., plant where the Food and Drug Administration found a slew of violations. J&J’s McNeil Consumer Healthcare unit has since recalled more than 40 varieties of children’s medicines.

The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform sent a letter Wednesday to Blacksmith asking for all records tied to the recall and communications with J&J, McNeil and the FDA.

“We cannot take any recalls at this plant lightly,” committee Chairman Edolphus Towns, D-N.Y., said in a statement.

A Blacksmith spokesman said there have been no reports of PediaCare product problems. He said the Tarrytown, N.Y., company will cooperate fully and respond quickly to the request.

Items recalled by Blacksmith include PediaCare Multi-Symptom Cold, PediaCare Long Acting Cough, PediaCare Decongestant and PediaCare Allergy and Cold.

J&J shares rose 39 cents to $60.12 in Thursday morning trading.