All product lots of Tylenol Arthritis Pain Caplet 100-count bottles with the distinctive red EZ-OPEN CAP are being recalled after reports from consumers of an unusual moldy, musty or mildew-like odor that was associated with nausea, stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The recall follows a similar recall in November 2009 of only five lots of the product due to similar consumer reports.

McNeil Consumer Healthcare, the company that markets Tylenol Arthritis Pain Caplets, reports that the odor is caused by the presence of trace amounts of a chemical called 2,4,6-tribromoanisole. The source of the chemical is believed to be the breakdown of a chemical used to treat wooden pallets that transport and store packaging materials. The health effects of this compound have not been well studied, and to date all of the observed events reported to McNeil were temporary and non-serious.

Consumers who have purchased Tylenol Arthritis Pain Caplet 100-count bottles with the distinctive EZ-OPEN CAP from the recalled lots should stop using the product and contact McNeil for instructions on a refund or replacement.

For instructions or information regarding how to return or dispose of the product, consumers should call 1-888-222-6036 (Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time, and Saturday-Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time) or visit www.tylenol.com. Consumers who have medical concerns or questions should contact their healthcare provider.  Any adverse reactions should be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Program at www.fda.gov/medwatch.