From 2023, Johnson & Johnson will stop selling its talc-based baby powder across the world, the company announced Friday. The company had previously stopped the sale of the product in the US and Canada where thousands of lawsuits filed by women saying they developed ovarian cancer after using the product.
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Talc and cancer
The pharmaceutical industry giant said it will be switching tocorn starch as the base for the powder in future productions. The lawsuits filed against the company allege that the talcum powder contains asbestos which causes cancer.
JNJ was slapped with a $4.7 billion dollar fine in 2018 after a jury found it had been negligent in not warning consumers about the possible health risks associated with using the baby powder, CNN reports.
There are some studies pointing to an increased risk of ovarian cancer in some women who use talcum in the genital areas. This risk was not present in all women, the studies found. In a statement announcing the decision, JNJ maintains confidence in the product insisting it is safe to use.
Our position on the safety of our cosmetic talc remains unchanged. We stand firmly behind the decades of independent scientific analysis by medical experts around the world that confirms talc-based Johnson's Baby Powder is safe, does not contain asbestos, and does not cause cancer
Unrelated
Some companies that product talcum powder have warning labels on their products, but JNJ argued such a label would be sending a contradictory message to consumers since it stands by the quality of the product, CNN says.
In a statement announcing the decision to cease the sale of the product worldwide, JNJ says it was based on a portfolio assessment.
We continuously evaluate and optimize our portfolio to best position the business for long-term growth. This transition will help simplify our product offerings, deliver sustainable innovation, and meet the needs of our consumers, customers and evolving global trends.
Read more:
⋙ Ovarian cancer: These are the early signs to watch out for
⋙ New treatment found to shrink tumours in ovarian cancer patients
