J&J asked to share talcum powder contents
NEWDELHI: India’s top drug regulator has asked Johnson and Johnson (J&J) Pvt. Ltd to reveal the composition of its talcum powder, two people aware of the matter said. The company’s US parent was ordered to pay $4.7 billion to 22 women who claimed asbestos in its talc had caused them ovarian cancer.
In an email dated July 19, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) wrote to J&J to share the composition of its powder sold in India and the US, the people cited above said on condition of anonymity.
On July 12, a Missouri court had ordered the pharmaceutical giant to pay compensation and damages in the asbestos case.
Johnson and Johnson insists its talc is safe and pure, and plans to appeal the verdict.
“Some people may dust powder after shower and never think much of it. But recent court cases have brought a spotlight on the possible link between women’s regular use of talcum powder on their genitals and an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.
The lawyers in US alleged the company knew its talc was contaminated with asbestos. We want to be sure that the product marketed in India is safe and that’s why have written to them,” the first of the two people cited above said on condition of anonymity. In March 2016, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration and the West Zone unit of CDSCO had inspected Johnson and Johnson’s manufacturing plant at Mulund in Mumbai, collected samples of baby powder and analysed them at a drug control laboratory in Maharashtra.
“While the powder was found to be safe then and no action was taken against the company, the recent cases have alerted the regulatory bodies once again,” the second person cited above said.Talcum powder is made from talc, a clay mineral composed of silicon, magnesium and oxygen.
Johnson and Johnson says the talcum powder passes “five-level safety assurance process” and, hence, is completely safe and free from asbestos.