Johnson & Johnson to stop sales of talc-based baby powder in U.S., Canada

Agence France-Presse

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

Johnson & Johnson to stop sales of talc-based baby powder in U.S., Canada

AFP

Johnson & Johnson cites declining sales in the United States and Canada, where there have been fears its baby powder causes cancer. The company maintains its product is safe.

NEW YORK, USA – Pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson announced on Tuesday, May 19, it would stop selling talc-based baby powder in the United States and Canada, where sales had already been hit by changing consumer habits and fears the product causes cancer.

The company has long denied claims that the talc powder it uses contains cancer-causing asbestos, but has nonetheless been taken to court several thousands of times over the allegations.

In a statement, Johnson & Johnson said it remained “steadfastly confident” in the product’s safety and would “vigorously” defend against the lawsuits, noting that all guilty verdicts passed against the company have been overturned.

“As part of a portfolio assessment related to COVID-19, in March, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health stopped shipping hundreds of items in the US and Canada to prioritize high-demand products and to allow for appropriate social distancing in manufacturing and distribution facilities,” the statement said.

It then decided to discontinue around 100 products in the two countries, including the talc-based powder.

“Demand for talc-based Johnson’s Baby Powder in North America has been declining due in large part to changes in consumer habits and fueled by misinformation around the safety of the product and a constant barrage of litigation advertising,” the company said.

Existing stocks of the powder will be sold in the US and Canada until they run out, the company said, and the product will remain for sale in countries where there is “significantly higher consumer demand.” – Rappler.com

Add a comment

Sort by

There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.

Summarize this article with AI

How does this make you feel?

Loading
Download the Rappler App!