[Article also appears in the YWN Kashrus Corner]
For many years, Tylenol, Motrin and many other liquid over-the-counter medicines produced by the McNeil Company in their Pennsylvania facility have been made with kosher glycerin. Although the Pennsylvania plant was not certified as kosher, this information was welcome news for kosher consumers. [Glycerin is a sweet-tasting liquid and is one of the most kosher-sensitive ingredients used in medicines. It can be produced from either kosher vegetable sources or non-kosher animal fat, and typically comprises 5-20% of the finished product.] In the spring of 2010, McNeil recalled many of their liquid medicines and ceased production of them at their Pennsylvania plant.
This week, the American division of McNeil began distributing grape-flavored Liquid Children’s Tylenol which is produced in their Canadian factory. In the coming months, the company hopes to expand this distribution to include other items as well. [The American plant is not expected to be back in production until the middle of 2011.] The customer service representatives from McNeil informed the cRc and others that the glycerin used in the Canadian plant is derived from non-kosher beef or pork.
Accordingly, we recommend that consumers consult with their local Rabbi to find out if and when it is appropriate to give these liquid medicines to their children.
It is noteworthy that:
■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. The explanation for why that is Halachically permitted is beyond the scope of this paper.
(Source: CRC Chicago)
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4 Responses
It may be the right time to have all the kosher consumers start buying only medicines with a certified kosher supervision such as ADWE products. I would have to admit that I myself would have to follow such a rule as I always thought that Tylenol and Motrin and Advil, etc are not a cause of alarm. But obviously the world is changing and one must start using the Heimishe brands of medicine as well. YW, thank you for keeping us informed.
What does COR or MK say about this?
1, why should we buy substandard products when there is plenty of reason to say that one can take non kosher approved medication without a shayla?
I wouldnt even touch “heimish” products. You think the heimishe products are better because of hashgocha? If that is the case, for the most part, you dont know what you are talking about.
There is a liquid ibuprofen product “Nurofen” certified by LBD… When bought in uk only.
Medicines (Pain Killers Junior) Nurofen For Children Orange Liquid KLBD Parev
Medicines (Pain Killers Junior) Nurofen For Children Strawberry Liquid KLBD Parev
This is LBD’s web page:
http://www.theus.org.uk/jewish_living/keeping_kosher/keeping_kosher/kosher_product_search/
Search for Nurofen for more details and products. seems not all products are certified some are “listed” (May rely on bittul?)
If you know someone in UK have them ship to you.
It is also non staining and comes with an excellent no spill syringe dispenser.
To Mark Levin:
I have been usin ADWE(R) medicines for years while they may not taste as good as the pork, they are HIGH quality products medically. I have done research. I cannot say the same for other brands as I have not researched them. Actually the OU has a policy of not giving a hechsher on these products unless they are very high quality as it may cost them their reputation in the goyishe velt that equates Kosher with Quality.