Kosher consumers are being warned to avoid Canadian-produced Children's Liquid Tylenol due to a change in the formula.
Only the Canadian-produced, grape-flavored version of the sweet-tasting medicine, produced by McNeil Consumer Health, is no longer kosher, according to the Chicago Rabbinical Council (cRc) and New Square Kashrus Council kosher supervision agencies. Tylenol is a popular medication for reducing fever and symptoms of cold and flu. It is used worldwide and also imported to Israel.
The reason for the alert is due to the glycerin used in the product, which is produced from non-kosher sources, specifically pork and other non-kosher meat.
Liquid Tylenol and Motrin produced in the U.S. were known to use kosher glycerin, but have been off the market for a few months. Liquid Tylenol is now being imported from a Canadian plant, which informed the cRc that their product contains the non-kosher animal glycerin. Accordingly, the product is not kosher; thus it is recommended that consumers consult a competent rabbi to find out whether the product may be used.
It is noteworthy that (a) the liquid Tylenol produced for adults does not contain any glycerin and (b) there is a new Triaminic Fever Reducer which contains the same active ingredient as Tylenol and is certified kosher by the OU. (Orthodox Union)
Currently there is no grape-flavored Children's Liquid Tylenol produced in the United States, and that which is being distributed comes from the Canadian plant. The company voluntarily recalled its liquid children's products in the U.S. in April and ceased production pending reorganization of the plants.
Although there are no kashrut considerations attached to the U.S. product, the manufacturer is not expected to resume U.S. production until 2011. It is recommended to consult one's doctor and rabbi for advice with regard to appropriate substitutes on all medical issues.