safety and customer well-being should be the top priority, even if the product is legally approved and has a market demand. The ethics officer believes that the company should take responsibility for the adverse effects experienced by some users and take steps to mitigate the harm caused.
The ethics officer proposes the following actions:
1. Conduct further research and testing: The company should invest in additional research to understand the cause of the gum damage and identify possible solutions to minimize or eliminate the adverse effects. This could involve collaborating with dental professionals and experts in oral health.
2. Improve the warning label: While the new warning label is a step in the right direction, it may not be sufficient to address the potential harm. The company should consider making the warning more prominent and explicit about the severity of the potential gum problems. It should clearly state that loss of teeth is a possibility and advise users to consult a dentist before use.
3. Recall and compensation: Considering the seriousness of the reported adverse effects, the company should consider recalling the product from the market. This would demonstrate the company's commitment to customer safety and its willingness to take responsibility for any harm caused. Additionally, the company should consider providing compensation or assistance to affected users to cover dental expenses or other damages.
4. Improve quality control and manufacturing: The company should examine its manufacturing process and quality control measures to identify any potential factors that may contribute to the adverse effects. By implementing stricter quality control protocols and ensuring thorough testing, the company can minimize the chances of harm to users.
5. Transparent communication: The company should be transparent and open in its communication with customers, healthcare providers, and the public. It should acknowledge the reported adverse effects, state the actions taken, and provide updates on the progress made in resolving the issue. Openly addressing the problem and demonstrating a genuine commitment to customer safety will help rebuild trust and maintain the company's ethical reputation.
Liability & Ethics No unread replies.No replies. 1. Review this Case Scenario: The Fewer Yellow Teeth the BetterYour company, Whiter Teeth, Inc., manufactures an over-the-counter product that whitens teeth. After extensive testing and at great expense, the product has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Approximately 20 percent of the users have complained of extensive gum damage that includes, in many instances, loss of teeth. The company’s research has revealed that the competition has experienced about the same rate of complaints (20 percent), and in some cases a higher percentage of problems with a similar product. Legal counsel has advised Whiter Teeth to continue production of the product in light of FDA approval and has argued that a percentage of users will probably always have an adverse reaction. A recent market survey demonstrated that the overwhelming majority of users are pleased with the product. Legal counsel has mandated that a new warning label be attached to the product. The warning states: “Consult with your dentist before using this product as it may cause serious gum problems. ”Whiter Teeth has a code of ethics that reads “Our customer’s health is our foremost concern and all our products are extensively reviewed for safety. If ever our products are found to cause harm, they are immediately removed from production.” The ethics officer of Whiter Teeth, Inc., has called for a manager’s meeting to review the ethical obligations of the company. The ethics officer recognizes that the product is legally approved by the FDA, and it appears to be no more dangerous than the competitions’ products. Some of the managers are insisting that FDA approval and the new warning are sufficient legal protections; therefore, there should be no further discussion about this highly profitable product. However, the ethics officer is concerned about the promise made in the company’s code of ethics and its commitment to maintain an ethical culture. The ethics officer argues that product
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