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Embattled Johnson & Johnson talcum-based baby powder to be discontinued in 2023

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The controversial Johnson & Johnson talc-based baby powder made infamous in a slew of lawsuits alleging it caused cancer will be discontinued in 2023, the pharmaceutical company announced this week.

After announcing it would discontinue the sale of the baby powder in the United States and Canada in 2020 amid a public outcry against the product, Johnson said this week it will end sales of the product worldwide next year.

“As part of a worldwide portfolio assessment, we have made the commercial decision to transition to an all cornstarch-based baby powder portfolio,” J&J said in a statement on Friday. “As a result of this transition, talc-based Johnson’s baby powder will be discontinued globally in 2023.”

“We continuously evaluate and optimise [sic] our portfolio to best position the business for long-term growth,” the statement continued. “This transition will help simplify our product offerings, deliver sustainable innovation, and meet the needs of our consumers, customers and evolving global trends.”

The company is facing about 38,000 lawsuits related to the talcum-based powder, according to Reuters. The suits allege the use of the product contributed to cancer and other health complications due to the presence of asbestos. The company has repeatedly denied the claims and has said its baby powder is asbestos and carcinogen-free.

The company will switch to a cornstarch-based baby powder product in place of the talc-based powder. Cornstarch-based baby powder has already been available since the 1980s, but will replace all talc-based products beginning next year.

ARTICLE: LAURA SPIVAK

MANAGING EDITOR: CARSON CHOATE

PHOTO CREDITS: LIVEMINT.COM

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Laura Spivak

Laura is a freelance writer out of Maryland and a mom of three. Her background is in political science and international relations, and she has been doing political writing and editing for 17 years. Laura has also written parenting pieces for the Today Show and is currently working on writing a collection of remarkable true stories about normal people. She writes for FBA because unbiased news is vital to unity, and readers deserve the facts free of opinion.

Laura is a freelance writer out of Maryland and a mom of three. Her background is in political science and international relations, and she has been doing political writing and editing for 17 years. Laura has also written parenting pieces for the Today Show and is currently working on writing a collection of remarkable true stories about normal people. She writes for FBA because unbiased news is vital to unity, and readers deserve the facts free of opinion.

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