Perrigo Co. recalled millions of dollars worth of acetaminophen 500 mg caplets from U.S. stores when trace amounts of metal were found in 383 batches.

From its Allegan, Mich., headquarters, Perrigo's general manager of Consumer Healthcare, John Hendrickson said the contamination, found during a quality control process, had been linked to a third-party supplier, and that no injuries or illnesses had been reported.

In an accompanying financial statement the company, a major supplier of generic drugs, said the cost of the recall was estimated at $2.9 million, some of which may be recovered from the third-party supplier, but was expected to change fiscal 2007 earnings forecasts.

The company said consumers who have containers of the over-the-counter caplets for pain relief and fever reduction should refrain from taking any more and return the bottle to a retailer who sells the product.

Questions or concerns about the product and recall should be directed to Perrigo's Consumer Affairs Department, toll free, 877-546-0454.

Any adverse reactions experienced with the use of the product should also be reported to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's MedWatch Program, toll-free at 800-FDA-1088.