K A S H R U T . C O M_©

Tylenol liquid children's products were recalled in May, 2010, www.kashrut.com/Alerts/?alert=A3062. McNEIL is now importing Children's Tylenol from Canada to the United States in order to provide products to sell in the US. This has become a kashrus issue because the American produced product was made with kosher glycerin from vegetable sources and the Canadian plant is using non-kosher glycerine from non-kosher beef or pork fat. The Chicago Rabbinical Council has recommends "that consumers consult with their local Rabbi to find out if and when it is appropriate to give these liquid medicines to their children."
They provide the following additional suggetions:

• "The McNeil Company also produces a liquid version of Extra Strength Liquid Tylenol for Adults (in the Rapid Blast Cherry Flavor) which does not contain any glycerin.
• Many children are able to use chewable tablets which typically do not contain glycerin (although they may contain other ingredients which are less kosher-sensitive).
• The Novartis Company recently introduced a number of varieties of liquid "Fever Reducer" for children under the Triaminic name. It contains the same active ingredient as Tylenol (Acetaminophen) and its packages bear the OU kosher logo.
• Those who chose to avoid uncertified liquid medicines have the following option: In cases where one is unsure if the glycerin is from kosher or non-kosher sources, they may consume the liquid medicine after diluting it 6 times its volume of water or another liquid. [Please check with your doctor to determine if this will affect the efficacy or safety of the medicine.] For example, 1 teaspoon of medicine would be mixed into 6 teaspoons of water, and then the entire mixture would be swallowed." Information on taking non-kosher medications can be found at www.star-k.org/kashrus/kk-medi-guide.htm

Ed. Note: Tempra Double strength cherry is a children's acetominophen product available in Canada which contains a vegetable glycerin.