What is the controversial 2006 Canadian medical paper about?

The paper focused on an infant's death in 2005, purporting that codeine in the mother's breast milk caused the infant's poisoning.

Why is the 2006 medical paper facing renewed scrutiny?

New allegations of falsified toxicological data, authorship issues, and ethical concerns have been raised, prompting The Lancet to issue an 'expression of concern'.

How has the 2006 paper influenced medical guidance?

The paper significantly influenced global approaches to pain management and breastfeeding guidance, leading to government warnings and changes in medication labeling.

Home / Health / Lancet Journal Raises Concerns Over Old Study

Lancet Journal Raises Concerns Over Old Study

7 Feb

•

Summary

A 2006 medical paper on codeine and infant death is under scrutiny.
New allegations of data falsification and ethical concerns emerged.
The study influenced global pain management and breastfeeding advice.

A 2006 medical case report published in The Lancet, which linked infant death to codeine passed through breast milk, is under renewed scrutiny. This paper has significantly impacted global pain management and breastfeeding advice for new mothers.

The Lancet added an 'expression of concern' on January 20, 2026, following allegations of falsified toxicological data, authorship issues, and ethical concerns. These allegations surfaced after a year-long investigation by The New Yorker and years of Canadian media coverage.

Critics argue the paper, authored by Gideon Koren, has been debunked for years. Outside researchers and two other medical journals have already retracted similar versions. The case study, focusing on an Ontario infant's 2005 death, purported that Tylenol 3, a common postpartum pain reliever containing codeine, was responsible.