Johnson & Johnson Issues Baby Powder Recall After Asbestos Found

Update

On May 19, 2020, Johnson & Johnson announced that it will no longer sell its talcum-based baby powder products in the United States or Canada.

Original story:

On Friday, Oct. 18, Johnson & Johnson recalled a single lot of its Johnson’s Baby Powder after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration found traces of asbestos in samples. The agency tested a single bottle purchased from an online retailer.

The voluntary recall affects 22-ounce bottles of Lot #22318RB of Johnson’s Baby Powder. The recall affects about 33,000 bottles of Baby Powder. Consumers who have this bottle should stop using it immediately. 

While the trace of asbestos was small, the company claims that it is initiating the recalls “out of an abundance of caution”. In a press release, the company maintains that its product is safe. Additionally, J&J says that it’s working to determine the integrity of the tested sample and the validity of results. The company says that at this point in the investigation it wants to confirm: 

• Whether or not cross-contamination of the sample caused a false positive
• If the sample was taken from a bottle with an intact seal
• Whether the sample was prepared in a controlled environment
• If the tested product is authentic or counterfeit

In its statement, the company claims that it regularly tests the talc used in baby powder to ensure that its product is safe. 

What does this recall mean for Talcum Powder Lawsuits?

The Baby Powder recall brings into focus the safety of the product. Currently, Johnson & Johnson is facing thousands of lawsuits claiming that its Baby Powder products caused ovarian cancer. In each trial, Johnson & Johnson has put expert witnesses on the stand to testify that its product does not contain asbestos. However, several juries have reached multimillion-dollar verdicts against the company. 

What is talc?

Talc is the softest mineral in the world. It is a naturally occurring mineral that is mined from deposits all over the world. Some talc contains asbestos while others are asbestos-free. While the science around talc containing asbestos recognizes the possibility of cancer, asbestos-free talc is less clear. 

Does talc cause ovarian cancer?

The American Cancer Society lists talcum powder as a risk factor for ovarian cancer. Several studies link ovarian cancer to talcum powder when a woman applies the product to the genital area, sanitary napkins, diaphragms or condoms. In fact, these studies show that talcum powder particles travel through the vagina, uterus and fallopian tubes to the ovaries. When this occurs, the particles embed into the walls of a woman’s reproductive organs which can lead to tumors or cancer.

The Carlson Law Firm Can Help

The Carlson Law Firm is accepting talcum powder lawsuit clients. If you’ve developed ovarian cancer and have used Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder, contact us today. We can help you navigate the complex legal system to get the compensation you deserve. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.