UK Lawsuit Sparks New Scrutiny of Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder

For generations, Johnson & Johnson baby powder was a fixture in bathroom cabinets from Brixton to Bloemfontein, a symbol of gentleness, purity and that unmistakable “baby fresh” scent. Now, its legacy is under fire.

Nearly 3,000 people in the UK have launched a major legal case accusing the pharmaceutical giant of selling baby powder that contained asbestos, a mineral long known to cause cancer. The claimants say they developed illnesses such as ovarian cancer and mesothelioma after years of using the talc-based product.

@itvnews Thousands of people are taking legal action against pharmaceutical company Johnson & Johnson, claiming it knowingly sold asbestos-contaminated talcum powder in the UK. As many as 3,000 people have alleged that either they or a family member developed forms of ovarian cancer or mesothelioma, another form of cancer, from using Johnson’s Baby Powder. A spokesperson for Kenvue, which was formerly part of J&J, said the talc used in baby powder complied with regulations, did not contain asbestos and does not cause cancer.#itvnews ♬ original sound – itvnews

Court Papers Point to Decades of Concern

According to documents filed in court, internal records and scientific studies suggest Johnson & Johnson may have known as far back as the 1960s that some batches of its talc contained trace amounts of asbestos. Yet the product was sold for decades with assurances that it was “pure” and “safe enough for babies.”

Lawyers argue the company ignored health risks and misled the public through glossy advertising that positioned the powder as gentle, trustworthy and essential to baby care.

Johnson & Johnson has rejected all allegations, maintaining that its baby powder “never contained asbestos” and complies with regulatory standards. The company says the product does not cause cancer and insists it acted responsibly.

Talc Off the Shelves, But Questions Remain

In 2023, Johnson & Johnson quietly stopped selling its talc-based baby powder in the UK and other markets, replacing it with a cornstarch alternative. The company says the switch was driven by “misinformation” and declining salesnot safety concerns.

But for thousands of women and families, the move came too late.

This UK lawsuit is the first of its scale against J&J in Britain, although the company has battled thousands of similar claims in the United States, with mixed outcomes, settlements and appeals still ongoing.

Not Just a Foreign Problem

South African readers may recall a similar scare closer to home. In 2022, Tiger Brands recalled its Purity Essentials Baby Powder after trace amounts of asbestos were detected in pharmaceutical-grade talc used in production. That recall rattled parents across the country and sparked debate about product testing and corporate responsibility.

While Tiger Brands acted “as a precaution,” the incident showed how asbestos contamination in talc-based powders isn’t limited to one brand or continent.

Public Reaction: Shock, Distrust and Nostalgia

The news has sparked outrage and disbelief online. Social media is full of posts from parents and grandparents who grew up with Johnson & Johnson as a household staple.

“My mother used this on all of us kids for years. If they knew and kept quiet? That’s betrayal,” wrote one X (Twitter) user from Cape Town.

In parenting forums, younger moms are questioning whether talc-based powders should be banned entirely, while others are calling for stricter regulation and better transparency.

A Trusted Brand Under the Microscope

For many, the lawsuit is a wake-up call about blind trust in big brands. Johnson & Johnson built its global image on words like “gentle,” “family,” and “care.” Now, that image is being challenged in courtrooms and living rooms alike.

Regardless of the outcome, the case has reopened a difficult but necessary conversation: How much do we really know about the products we use on our bodies and our children?

And perhaps more importantly, who can we trust when safety and profit collide?

{Source: IOL}

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