Johnson’s baby powder safe: Municipality
dubai — Johnson’s baby powder, which is available in the UAE market, is safe to use, the Dubai Municipality has said amid lawsuits the multinational company is facing over claims that its talcum powder causes cancer.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Redha Salman, director of the health and safety department at the municipality, said the civic body periodically tests samples of the product to ensure its safety.
“If any suspicious substances were detected through our testing, we would have withdrawn the product immediately from the market shelves,” said Salman.
He noted that cosmetics and personal care products, whether imported or manufactured in the UAE, are “tightly controlled”. No product is released into the market unless it meets the approved technical specifications and health and safety requirements.
Johnson & Johnson has been sued by thousands in the US and elsewhere over controversies that its talcum powder, used in the baby powder, causes cancer. However, the multinational company insists on the safety and purity of its products, claiming they’re free of the carcinogenic asbestos.
Salman confirmed that talc, the softest mineral on earth, is widely used in food, such as rice, chewing gum and olive oil, as well as in makeup and anti-perspirants.
“People have taken advantage of the substance’s natural smoothness and absorbency for thousands of years. Until now, talc is used to moisturise and protect the skin,” he said, confirming that Johnson’s baby powder is made of pharmaceutical and medically approved talc.
Based on research findings and figures, the National Cancer Institute’s Physician Data Query Editorial Board concluded that the weight of evidence does not support an association between perennial talc exposure and increased risk of ovarian cancer.
The US’ Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel have also determined that talc is safe after investigating its potential harmful side effects.
The FDA has reportedly studied the issue for years, concluding that the talc used in Johnson’s baby powder was not contaminated with asbestos.
If any suspicious substances were detected through our testing, we would have withdrawn the product immediately from the market shelves.” Redha Salman, director of the health and safety department, DM