There are currently over 14,000 consumer active lawsuits filed against Johnson & Johnson, an American medical device and pharmaceutical company. The complaints allege that Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based products – including their baby powder – are contaminated by asbestos particles, a known carcinogen that can lead to the development of ovarian cancer and peritoneal mesothelioma. Many of the claimants are women who are dying from cancer after having used J&J’s Baby Powder on or near the genital region for years.

Medical professionals started analyzing the safety of J&J’s talcum powder products in 1971 after doctors discovered talc particles in several ovarian tumors. Since then, there have been countless – if inconsistent – studies detailing talc’s link to ovarian cancer.

Alarmingly, there is evidence that Johnson & Johnson has always known about the carcinogenic properties of its talc-based products and intentionally hid their findings from consumers. According to Reuters Investigates, “J&J didn’t tell the FDA that at least three tests by three different labs from 1972 to 1975 had found asbestos in its talc – and in one case at levels reported as ‘rather high.’” Reportedly, company executives, scientists, doctors, and lawyers knew their products could be harmful to consumers and failed to disclose the test results to regulators or the public.

As of July 2019, the U.S. Justice Department is conducting a criminal probe into the company’s deceptive marketing practices to legally determine if officials lied about the carcinogens in their products.

The FDA Reacts to Public Outcry

Despite popular misconceptions, the FDA does not test the safety of cosmetic products or their ingredients. Companies have a legal obligation to notify regulators if or when a product poses a health risk to consumers. The FDA then needs to determine if a recall is necessary to ensure public safety.

The FDA is threatening to recall J&J Baby Powder and the company’s other talc-based products in light of recent investigations and the mounting number of lawsuits. Mesowatch, a news website for mesothelioma victims, claims that “evidence and the potential risk to consumers may prompt the FDA to launch its own investigation and Health Hazard Evaluation to determine if J&J baby powder products should be taken off the market. The FDA will likely look to evidence from litigation against both J&J and Imerys to assess the seriousness of the current health hazard to consumers. If there is a recall, J&J will likely see a further drop in its market value.”

Have You Suffered Harm After Using a Johnson & Johnson Talcum Product?

Contact the trial lawyers at The Ferraro Law Firm if you or a loved one has developed cancer after using one of Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based products. Our skilled litigators have represented over 20,000 victims in cases related to asbestos exposure. With our guidance, you can secure justice and restitution through civil litigation.