Drug regulator orders probe of all products of Johnson & Johnson

NEW DELHI: Problems are mounting for baby products maker Johnson & Johnson ( J& J) all over the world. The company, which lost a lawsuit in the US last month after a 62- year- old woman died of ovarian cancer reportedly caused due to the prolonged use of Johnson’s baby talc, is now facing flak from India’s drug regulator.

The Drug Controller General of India ( DCGI) has ordered sample testing of J&J products across the country. “The brands are under scrutiny at our end and we have ordered sample testing across India,” GN Singh, DCGI, told HT. “Depending on preliminary outcomes we will extend the probe.”

The government will also inspect J&J factories and manufacturing units in India, in case of non-compliance.

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also sent samples of products for lab testing as a precautionary measure. The FDA has also discussed their concerns with company officials. “We are committed to patient safety and rights. Understanding the concern of mothers on these issues, I shall do my best,” Singh said.

A J&J spokesman in India did not comment on the matter till the time of going to press.

After the US incident, the company, had issued a statement across the globe, which said: “The recent jury outcome goes against decades of sound science proving the safety of talc as a cosmetic ingredient in multiple products. We disagree with the outcome.”

An American Jury had ordered the company to pay $72 million of damages to the family of the woman who died.

“Our confidence in using talc reflects more than 30 years of research by independent scientists, review boards and global authorities, which have concluded that talc can be used safely in personal care products,” J&J had said in a statement then.