J&J to Pay $700M to Settle States' Talcum Powder Probes

J&J to Pay $700M to Settle States' Talcum Powder Probes

Introduction

Johnson & Johnson has reached a $700 million settlement with 43 state governments to resolve allegations that it misled consumers about the safety of its talcum powder products, including the presence of asbestos in Johnson’s Baby Powder.

Despite this settlement, over 60,000 lawsuits remain from women diagnosed with ovarian cancer and other injuries, claiming the talcum powder contained asbestos, which can increase cancer risk.

Johnson’s Baby Powder, marketed for decades as safe for infants and adults, has come under scrutiny after it was discovered that talcum powder might contain asbestos from raw ingredients. This discovery led to a multistate investigation by Attorneys General from Florida, Texas, North Carolina, and other states into Johnson & Johnson’s talc marketing practices and the potential asbestos contamination of its products.

The company faced accusations of knowingly selling toxic talcum powder products while falsely marketing them as safe and failing to warn the public about asbestos and cancer risks. Johnson & Johnson has now agreed to a consent judgment to end these investigations, requiring a combined payment of $700 million to the states, pending approval by a federal judge.

Florida State Attorney General announced the consent judgment on June 11, highlighting that Johnson & Johnson halted Baby Powder sales in the U.S. when the state investigation began. “This is a major advancement for consumer product safety, as Johnson & Johnson has stopped the manufacturing and marketing of products containing talc powder—which may be linked to serious health issues, including cancer,” said the AG, who led the investigation. He noted that Johnson & Johnson has also recently ceased the sale of talc-based Baby Powder globally.

Beyond the $700 million payment, which includes $48 million to Florida, the consent judgment includes several other provisions. Johnson & Johnson has agreed not to resume the manufacturing, marketing, sale, or distribution of cosmetic powder products containing talc. Additionally, the company has committed to permanently stopping the manufacture, marketing, sale, and promotion of these products in the U.S. through any third party.

This settlement marks a significant step in addressing consumer safety concerns related to talc-based products and holds Johnson & Johnson accountable for its marketing practices and product safety claims.