Stuff You Should Know The Tylenol Murders, Part II
May 30, 2019
The chilling Tylenol murders shook Chicago and the world, leading to widespread panic and a complete overhaul of consumer safety protocols. Despite extensive investigations, the case remains unsolved, with no one ever charged. The narrative delves into the psychological profile of the unknown killer and the pressures faced by investigators. It also humorously explores Johnson & Johnson's crisis management and how the tragedy influenced public trust in pharmaceuticals. Alongside this dark tale, there's an entertaining recounting of a disastrous college prank.
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Initial Recall Reluctance
- Johnson & Johnson initially resisted a full Tylenol recall after the poisonings.
- They only took action after Chicago's Mayor, Jane Byrne, publicly called for it.
Crisis Management
- In a crisis, prioritize long-term gains over short-term losses, like Johnson & Johnson did with the Tylenol recall.
- Take decisive action and communicate transparently to rebuild trust.
Impact of the Poisonings
- The Tylenol murders exposed the lack of tamper-resistant packaging in consumer products.
- This led to widespread fear and is considered the first incident of domestic terrorism in the U.S.