In this April 15, 2011, file photo, a bottle of Johnson's baby powder is displayed. Johnson & Johnson is ending production of its iconic talc-based Johnson’s Baby Powder, which has been embroiled in thousands of lawsuits claiming it caused cancer. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)AP
Johnson & Johnson announced Thursday that the company will stop selling its talc-based baby powder — alleged to contain cancer-causing elements — worldwide starting next year.
In what the company is calling a “commercial decision,” J&J will transition to an all cornstarch-based baby powder portfolio instead of talc-based. The talc-based baby powder is expected to be discontinued come 2023.
“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, J&J wrote in a statement.
The company said it “firmly” stands behind its view that the talc-based products are safe for use. The company said “decades of independent scientific analysis by medical experts around the world confirms talc-based Johnson’s Baby Powder is safe, does not contain asbestos, and does not cause cancer.”
According to The Washington Post, the company discontinued sales of the baby powder product in the United States and Canada just over two years ago, citing declining demand for the baby powder after thousands of consumer lawsuits were filed against J&J alleging that the powder contained cancer-causing materials.
Talcum is made from the mineral talc, which consists of magnesium, silicon and oxygen, The Post wrote. In its natural form, some talc contains asbestos, which the American Cancer Society says can cause cancer in and around the lungs when inhaled. The U.S. personal goods industry has long had guidelines prescribing that beauty products should not contain detectable amounts of asbestos.
The company also said the cornstarch baby powder is already being sold in countries across the world but will continue the transition to only sell the cornstarch powder by 2023.
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