How Johnson & Johnson has somehow survived scandal after scandal

New York Post - Apr 12th, 2025
Open on New York Post

On September 29, 1982, a series of mysterious deaths in the Chicago area linked to cyanide-laced Tylenol capsules thrust Johnson & Johnson into a major crisis. With seven fatalities, including 12-year-old Mary Kellerman, the incident became a pivotal moment in public health and corporate crisis management. The company's swift response—recalling 31 million bottles and introducing tamper-resistant packaging—set a new standard for handling corporate disasters. Despite the immense challenge, Johnson & Johnson's actions during the crisis are celebrated as a model of ethical and effective crisis management.

The Tylenol poisoning incident not only reshaped consumer safety standards but also solidified Johnson & Johnson's reputation as a trusted healthcare brand. The company's handling of the crisis is now a case study in business ethics and public relations, highlighting the importance of transparency and decisive action. Despite subsequent controversies, including lawsuits over other products, Johnson & Johnson remains one of the most admired corporations globally. The 1982 incident underscores the delicate balance between corporate responsibility and public trust, illustrating the lasting impact of crisis management decisions on a company's legacy.

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RATING

6.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges faced by Johnson & Johnson, focusing on the 1982 Tylenol poisoning incident and subsequent scandals. It effectively highlights the company's crisis management strategies and explores important issues related to corporate ethics and consumer safety. However, the article would benefit from greater transparency, additional sources, and a more balanced perspective to enhance its credibility and depth.

While the narrative is clear and engaging, the reliance on a single source and the lack of explicit citations for some claims may raise questions about the reliability of the information presented. The article successfully addresses topics of public interest and has the potential to influence discussions about corporate accountability, but it could be strengthened by incorporating diverse viewpoints and more recent developments.

Overall, the article is a well-written and informative piece that engages with significant issues affecting the public, but it could benefit from more thorough sourcing and balanced representation to fully realize its potential impact.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The article provides a generally accurate account of the 1982 Tylenol poisoning incident, a well-documented event where seven people died after consuming cyanide-laced capsules. The story correctly attributes the crisis management steps taken by Johnson & Johnson, such as the recall of 31 million bottles and the introduction of tamper-resistant packaging, which are factual and verifiable.

However, the article makes claims regarding the corruption of FDA Commissioner Arthur Hayes Jr., suggesting he was corrupt and had a collaborative approach with drug companies, which benefited Johnson & Johnson. While it is true that Hayes's actions during the crisis are documented, the specific allegations of corruption or direct financial ties to Johnson & Johnson lack concrete evidence in the article.

The story also touches upon other scandals faced by Johnson & Johnson, such as lawsuits related to Risperdal and talcum powder contamination. These claims are accurate and supported by legal documents and reports. Overall, the article maintains a high level of factual accuracy but would benefit from clearer evidence for some of its more serious allegations.

7
Balance

The article presents a predominantly negative view of Johnson & Johnson by highlighting various scandals and legal challenges the company has faced over the years. While it acknowledges the company's effective crisis management during the Tylenol incident, it does not provide a balanced perspective by including positive aspects of the company's contributions to healthcare or its reputation as a trusted brand.

The focus on scandals such as the Risperdal lawsuits and talcum powder contamination could lead readers to perceive Johnson & Johnson primarily in a negative light. A more balanced approach might have included perspectives from company representatives or external experts on the company's efforts to address these issues and maintain consumer trust.

Overall, the article leans towards a critical portrayal of Johnson & Johnson, which may not fully represent the range of perspectives on the company's actions and reputation.

8
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, providing a coherent narrative of the events surrounding the Tylenol poisoning incident and subsequent challenges faced by Johnson & Johnson. The language is accessible, and the story flows logically from one point to the next, making it easy for readers to follow.

The use of specific examples, such as the recall of Tylenol bottles and the introduction of tamper-resistant packaging, helps to illustrate the company's crisis management efforts. However, some parts of the article, particularly those discussing allegations of corruption, could benefit from clearer explanations and more detailed evidence to enhance understanding.

Overall, the article maintains a high level of clarity, but greater detail and evidence in certain areas would further enhance comprehension and trust.

6
Source quality

The article relies heavily on the book "No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson & Johnson" by Gardiner Harris, which appears to be a primary source for much of the information presented. While books can be credible sources, the article would benefit from additional corroborative sources to enhance its reliability.

There is a lack of attribution to other authoritative sources, such as court documents, financial records, or statements from Johnson & Johnson, which would strengthen the credibility of the claims made. The reliance on a single source without broader verification raises questions about the depth of the reporting.

To improve source quality, the article could incorporate perspectives from industry experts, legal analysts, or regulatory bodies to provide a more comprehensive view of the events discussed.

5
Transparency

The article does not provide sufficient transparency regarding the methodology or sources used to substantiate its claims. While it references the book by Gardiner Harris, it lacks explicit citations or links to primary documents, such as court records or official statements, that would enhance transparency.

There is also a lack of disclosure about potential conflicts of interest or biases in the sources used, particularly given the serious allegations of corruption against FDA Commissioner Arthur Hayes Jr. Without clear evidence or acknowledgment of the limitations of the sources, readers may question the impartiality of the narrative.

Improving transparency would involve providing more detailed citations, explaining the basis for claims, and acknowledging any potential biases in the sources or the author's perspective.

Sources

  1. https://www.bcpp.org/resource/johnson-and-johnsons-toxic-talc-a-timeline-toward-victory/
  2. https://qresear.ch/?q=washington&amp%3Bp=2
  3. https://www.pharmaceuticalprocessingworld.com/timeline-navigating-johnson-johnsons-talc-lawsuits-and-their-stock-performance-impact/
  4. https://qresear.ch/?q=fox
  5. https://www.asbestos.com/companies/johnson-johnson/