Sodium Fluoride, an active ingredient in Johnson & Johnson's Listerine Total Care Anticavity Mouthwash and CVS and Walgreens's generic brands of mouthwash, has been claimed by such companies to prevent gum disease and reduce plaque. The FDA disproved the claim after clinical studies proved that sodium fluoride only prevents cavities. All the companies must revoke the claims "within 15 days or risk seizure of the product or other civil or criminal penalties" (WSJ).
Johnson & Johnson reported an increase in earnings, but forecasts a decrease for the rest of the year; CVS is struggling to keep up with the prospering Walgreens Care Corp.
Since many consumer products deal with the health of their consumers, it is important for FDA warnings to be taken into account quickly. Although no health risks have been reported from sodium fluoride, consumer loyalty may be tested if the companies do not take the warning seriously. The companies have to prove their interest in their customers. Johnson & Johnson has much to prove since many of their over-the-counter medications have recently been recalled (WSJ).
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703882404575520111491711620.html?mod=WSJ_Consumerproducts_leftHeadlines
No comments:
Post a Comment