In the 1980s, one pain relieving product was subjected to a highly publicized public relations scare - Tylenol.

Tylenol, a popular over-the-counter painkiller, faced a crisis in 1982 when several individuals in the Chicago area died after consuming Tylenol capsules that had been laced with cyanide. This incident, known as the "Tylenol Murders," sent shockwaves throughout the nation and prompted the company to take swift action to address the crisis and regain public trust.

The scare started when seven people died within a short period, with investigations later revealing that the cyanide was intentionally added to the capsules after they had been removed from store shelves. As a result, Johnson & Johnson, the parent company of Tylenol, faced immense pressure to respond and ensure the safety of its products.

Johnson & Johnson immediately took a proactive approach to manage the crisis. The company swiftly recalled approximately 31 million bottles of Tylenol capsules, worth an estimated $100 million. This move not only demonstrated their commitment to consumer safety but also showcased their willingness to take a financial hit to protect the public.

Furthermore, Johnson & Johnson introduced tamper-evident packaging, a revolutionary concept at the time, to prevent any future tampering with their products. They also cooperated extensively with the authorities during the investigations, earning praise for their transparency and commitment to finding the culprits responsible for the tainted capsules.

These efforts helped Johnson & Johnson rebuild its brand reputation and regain public trust. By taking immediate responsibility, conducting a thorough investigation, and implementing stringent safety measures, the company demonstrated its commitment to consumer safety and became a case study for crisis management. The Tylenol crisis also led to the introduction of tamper-evident packaging regulations, which became a standard practice in the pharmaceutical industry.

Despite the public relations scare in the eighties, Tylenol remains a popular and trusted pain reliever today. Johnson & Johnson's handling of the crisis not only saved lives but also set a precedent for other companies to follow in times of similar crises, emphasizing the importance of swift action, transparency, and consumer safety.

Sign Up