Tylenol

Tylenol is a well-known brand of acetaminophen used for pain relief and fever reduction.

CCI Score

-16.45

April 16

Latest Event

McNeil's 2009 Lobbying Efforts to Block FDA Regulation of Tylenol

Internal documents revealed that McNeil Consumer Healthcare, the maker of Tylenol, developed a strategy to influence the FDA and Congress to block tougher safety regulations on acetaminophen. An executive’s email from 2009 urged the company to actively lobby lawmakers as a means to forestall measures that could have limited sales of Extra Strength Tylenol, highlighting a willingness to undermine public health for profit.

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ENABLER

Tylenol is currently rated as an Enabler.

-10 to -19 CCI Score

Companies in this segment facilitate authoritarian practices while claiming neutrality. They provide resources or support that indirectly bolster oppressive regimes, thereby undermining democratic accountability without overtly endorsing the regime.

Latest Events

AUG

31

2009

McNeil's 2009 Lobbying Efforts to Block FDA Regulation of Tylenol
-8.56

Internal documents revealed that McNeil Consumer Healthcare, the maker of Tylenol, developed a strategy to influence the FDA and Congress to block tougher safety regulations on acetaminophen. An executive’s email from 2009 urged the company to actively lobby lawmakers as a means to forestall measures that could have limited sales of Extra Strength Tylenol, highlighting a willingness to undermine public health for profit.
-50

Public and Political Behavior

March 27

The company's documented plan to engage political figures and lobby the government to circumvent FDA recommendations exemplifies a deliberate effort to influence public policy for corporate gain. This behavior undermines democratic regulatory processes and represents a clear instance of subverting public interest in favor of profit.

New Court Docs: Maker of Tylenol Had a Plan to Block Tougher Regulation
-30

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

March 27

McNeil Consumer Healthcare’s strategy to preemptively counter expert recommendations by influencing regulatory bodies not only prioritized the protection of their flagship product’s market share but also compromised ethical responsibility towards consumer safety. This reflects a broader pattern of business practices that prioritize profit over well-being.

New Court Docs: Maker of Tylenol Had a Plan to Block Tougher Regulation
AUG

31

2009

Tylenol's Lobbying Effort to Block Tougher FDA Regulation
-65.00

Internal documents reveal that McNeil Consumer Healthcare, the maker of Tylenol, orchestrated a campaign to influence the FDA and block tougher safety restrictions, prioritizing profit over public health and undermining regulatory processes.
AUG

01

2009

Tylenol's 2009 Lobbying Effort to Influence FDA Regulations
-13.49

Internal documents reveal that executives at McNeil Consumer Healthcare, the maker of Tylenol, deliberately strategized a lobbying campaign in 2009 to block tougher FDA regulations on acetaminophen, potentially prioritizing profit over consumer safety by engaging political figures and leveraging executive influence.
-70

Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts

March 27

Documents confirm that McNeil attempted to influence the FDA and lawmakers to prevent stricter safety regulations, illustrating a concerning use of political contributions and lobbying efforts to protect corporate interests at the expense of public health.

New Court Docs: Maker of Tylenol Had a Plan to Block Tougher Regulation
-60

Executive Political Engagement

March 27

Emails and internal communications indicate active executive engagement in the lobbying process, with leadership urging the mobilization of congressional support and direct contact with regulatory officials, reflecting a troubling interference in public health policy making.

New Court Docs: Maker of Tylenol Had a Plan to Block Tougher Regulation
AUG

01

2009

McNeil's 2009 Lobbying Campaign to Block FDA Regulation
-14.01

Internal documents and emails from 2009 reveal that McNeil Consumer Healthcare, maker of Tylenol, sought to influence the FDA and lawmakers to obstruct tougher safety regulations on acetaminophen. This campaign aimed to protect the company’s extra-strength product despite significant public health risks, illustrating a pattern of corporate political manipulation that undermines transparency and the public interest.
-70

Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts

March 27

The company engaged in a covert lobbying campaign to influence the FDA and Congress, aiming to block recommendations from an expert advisory panel. This action illustrates a deliberate attempt to sidestep regulatory safeguards in favor of maintaining product sales, reflecting behavior that aligns with authoritarian corporate interests.

New Court Docs: Maker of Tylenol Had a Plan to Block Tougher Regulation
-65

Executive Political Engagement

March 27

An executive-level initiative is evident from internal communications where top executives, including the company president, contemplated enlisting congressional support to pressure the FDA. This direct engagement of high-level leadership in political maneuvering reflects a troubling alignment with authoritarian tactics by prioritizing corporate profits over public safety.

New Court Docs: Maker of Tylenol Had a Plan to Block Tougher Regulation
SEP

29

1982

Johnson & Johnson Tylenol Ethical Crisis Management
1.16

In 1982, facing a severe product tampering crisis, Johnson & Johnson (the maker of Tylenol) took decisive action by recalling millions of bottles, halting production, and introducing tamper-resistant packaging. This response prioritized consumer safety over profits and set a new industry standard for ethical crisis management.
+80

Public and Political Behavior

March 27

The company's transparent communication and prompt actions during the crisis demonstrated a commitment to public safety and accountability, greatly enhancing public trust. Such measures reflect strong public and political behavior by prioritizing consumer well-being.

Johnson & Johnson's Tylenol Crisis: A Lesson in Ethical Crisis Management
+85

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

March 27

By executing a large-scale recall, collaborating with law enforcement, and introducing tamper-resistant packaging, the company reinforced its commitment to ethical business practices. This proactive crisis management reflects exemplary business practices that prioritize consumer rights and safety.

Johnson & Johnson's Tylenol Crisis: A Lesson in Ethical Crisis Management
SEP

29

1982

Johnson & Johnson's Tylenol Crisis: A Lesson in Ethical Crisis Management
1.20

In 1982, Johnson & Johnson faced a deadly crisis with tainted Tylenol capsules and responded by swiftly recalling products, halting distribution, and innovating tamper-resistant packaging. This decisive and transparent action prioritized consumer safety and set a benchmark for ethical crisis management.
+80

Public and Political Behavior

March 27

The company demonstrated strong public accountability and transparency during a severe crisis by prioritizing consumer safety, openly communicating with the public, and working with authorities. This approach helped maintain public trust, a crucial element in opposing authoritarian practices that rely on secrecy and lack of accountability.
+90

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

March 27

The rapid nationwide recall, cessation of production, and the introduction of tamper-resistant packaging underscore exemplary business practices and ethical responsibility. Such actions not only safeguarded consumer welfare but also set industry standards, exemplifying resistance to profit-driven negligence that can lead to authoritarian consolidation of corporate power.

Johnson & Johnson's Tylenol Crisis: A Lesson in Ethical Crisis Management