Company Calls the Decision ‘Commercial’ Despite Cancer Claims
For years, Johnson & Johnson has faced legal action over its talc-based products. Lawsuits allege the company lied about the powders’ link to asbestos and cancer. Now, J&J is withdrawing those products from the market – supposedly to “skinny down” and protect its commercial interests.
The company claims this decision has nothing to do with the lawsuits, but consumers, plaintiffs, and attorneys know better. An interview with Bloomberg News suggests the company is “putting a fence around litigation” by discontinuing sales of talc-based J&J Baby Powder and Shower to Shower powder.
Still, a J&J rep stated:
“[Johnson & Johnson] remains steadfastly confident in the safety of talc-based Johnson’s Baby Powder. We will continue to vigorously defend the product, its safety, and the unfounded allegations against it and the company in the courtroom.”
Safety Concerns Weigh In
While J&J stands by the “safety” of its product, taking talc powder off the market is a huge concession for the company. According to The New York Times, J&J acknowledged that consumer demand for the product dropped due to safety concerns.
People, especially women with ovarian cancer, have filed thousands of lawsuits since 2014, claiming the product caused their cancer and showing that J&J discussed the risk internally while hiding it from consumers. Plaintiffs across the United States see the company’s recent decision as a victory, although talc powder will still be sold overseas.
One two-time ovarian cancer survivor and successful plaintiff stated:
“This stops now. That monster is off the shelves.”
Disciplinary Actions
As of late March 2020, J&J faced 19,400 lawsuits related to talc body powder. Several juries have already decided against the company, and jurors awarded $4.7 billion to 22 women in one high-profile suit.
Johnson & Johnson has also faced inquiries by the Justice Department, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and authorities at the state level.
Its talc supplier, Imerys Talc America, has filed for bankruptcy, as well.
Most recently, J&J was investigated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The investigation ended with the company recalling 33,000 bottles of baby powder due to evidence of chrysotile asbestos. While the FDA stands by their findings, J&J claims the product came back clean in independent tests.
In any case, our team at Brett H. Oppenheimer, PLLC is glad the product is off the shelves.
Have You Been Harmed by Talc Powder?
If you’ve been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, mesothelioma, or another disease after using Johnson & Johnson talc products for an extended period, our law firm can help.
We’ve been fighting for victims’ rights since 1991 and have followed talc powder litigation from the start.
We encourage anyone who has been adversely affected by J&J’s talcum products to contact Attorney Brett Oppenheimer today. Call us at (502) 242-8877 for a free consultation.