Johnson & Johnson Discontinues Talc-Based Baby Powder In US And Canada

TOPLINE

Johnson & Johnson said it will no longer sell talcum-based baby powder in the U.S. in Canada after thousands of lawsuits have claimed that the product causes cancer, which the company has denied.

KEY FACTS

Key background

In addition to the lawsuits, Johnson & Johnson voluntarily recalled 33,000 bottles of the product last year after the Food and Drug Administration found trace amounts of asbestos in a bottle. In response to the recall, CVS, Rite Aide and Walmart
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took all 22 ounce Johnson & Johnson
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baby powder bottles off their shelves. A 2018 New York Times
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investigation revealed that Johnson & Johnson was aware of possible asbestos contamination in talc for at least 50 years but did not warn consumers. Federal authorities have also reportedly launched a criminal probe into whether the company lied to the public about the possible cancer risks of its talcum powder.

Crucial quote

“Demand for talc-based Johnson’s Baby Powder in North America has been declining due in large part to changes in consumer habits and fueled by misinformation around the safety of the product and a constant barrage of litigation advertising,” the company said. “Johnson & Johnson remains steadfastly confident in the safety of talc-based Johnson’s Baby Powder.”

Big number

Johnson & Johnson baby powder represents approximately 0.5% of the company’s total U.S. consumer health business.