Johnson & Johnson will begin using cornstarch in all baby powders it sells worldwide, transitioning from talcum powder, which has put its popular product at the center of tens of thousands of lawsuits filed by customers.
The company stopped selling its talc-based baby powder in North America in 2020 after recalling some bottles in 2019, but said Thursday it will stop selling the product globally in 2023. Johnson & Johnson said it already sells cornstarch-based baby powder in countries around the world.
With more than 40,000 lawsuits, many from women with ovarian cancer and mesothelioma, Johnson sold talc baby powder while recognizing its links to health risks such as possible asbestos contamination.・I blame End Johnson.
The company said its decision to move to cornstarch is part of an ongoing evaluation of its portfolio and will help simplify its product offering and meet “evolving global trends.” We have reiterated our position on powder safety.
Johnson & Johnson has been selling cornstarch baby powder for decades, and in 1980 after consumer advocates raised concerns that talc contained traces of asbestos, a carcinogen. Developed this version of the product in . The company did not immediately respond to questions about how much talc baby powder was left on the market.
In April, Johnson & Johnson shareholders voted against a proposal to stop selling talc baby powder in global markets such as Asia and South America. Last year, the company faced $1.6 billion in talc-related litigation costs, while the year before he secured $3.9 billion. A reputation tracking company said Johnson & Johnson’s once-pure name has been marred among consumers by accusations over talc.
Talc-based products account for a small portion of Johnson & Johnson’s consumer product sales, which also include Band-Aid bandages and Listerine mouthwash, but are a large part of legal issues. In one talc lawsuit, Johnson & Johnson was awarded $4.69 billion to 22 plaintiffs in one of the largest personal injury judgments ever.
The company sought to limit its legal exposure through an elaborate corporate pirouette known as Texas Two-Step. In February, a New Jersey bankruptcy judge ruled that the company would go ahead with the operation, taking its name from a foxtrot-inspired dance style and drawing its complex structure from the quirks of Texas business law. allowed to.
The restructuring process, which involves dividing assets away from creditors, has been attempted only a few times since it was conceived in 1989, mostly by companies facing allegations of asbestos exposure. I’m here. If successful, it could protect Johnson & Johnson from billions of dollars in legal claims, while also providing an escape route for other companies overwhelmed by personal injury lawsuits.
Gambit stalled Johnson & Johnson talc lawsuit It may also leave claimants, including some critically ill, with less money to pay. Lawyers for the plaintiff have filed an appeal to block the operation, and he said the next hearing is scheduled for September.
“We are sorry for the delay, but J.&J. has announced that it will no longer be selling talc-based body powders worldwide. I knew it could cause deadly cancer in women and men, and J.&J. finally did the right thing.”
