Thousands of individuals in the United Kingdom have initiated legal action against Johnson & Johnson. They allege that the company’s baby powder is linked to cancer, echoing a significant and ongoing litigation in the United States concerning this talc-based product.
Details of the Lawsuit Against Johnson & Johnson
The lawsuit was filed on Tuesday in Britain’s High Court and has already garnered over 3,000 claimants. The total value of the claim stands at 1 billion pounds, which is approximately $1.3 billion. This marks the first group lawsuit against the health care giant in Britain.
Allegations Against the Company
- The claimants argue that from 1965 to 2023, Johnson & Johnson sold talc products containing carcinogenic fibers, including asbestos.
- According to the complaints, the company prioritized profits over safety, knowing the risks associated with their products.
In 2020, Johnson & Johnson ceased sales of talc-based baby powder in the United States and Canada, transitioning to cornstarch. This change was implemented globally in 2023, amidst rising concerns about the safety of talc.
Connection to Previous Legal Issues
The allegations in the U.K. lawsuit are similar to those emerging in the U.S., where numerous individuals have accused Johnson & Johnson of health-related issues caused by their baby powder. Recently, a jury in Los Angeles ordered the company to pay $966 million to the family of a woman who succumbed to cancer linked to the product.
Earlier this year, Johnson & Johnson’s attempt to settle around 70,000 claims through bankruptcy court, with a proposed settlement of $9 billion, was turned down.
Concerns Over Talc Safety
For many years, Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder was made from talc, a mineral that can sometimes contain asbestos, a known carcinogen. Although the company has maintained the safety of its products, internal documents have suggested long-standing concerns regarding asbestos contamination.
Recent Developments and Company Response
In 2023, Johnson & Johnson spun off its consumer brands into a separate entity called Kenvue. In a statement, Kenvue expressed sympathy for cancer patients while defending the safety of their baby powder. They asserted that extensive testing by laboratories, universities, and health authorities confirms that their talc is safe and compliant with regulatory standards.
Claimants’ Profiles
- Individuals involved in the lawsuit report developing health issues including ovarian cancer and mesothelioma, which are associated with asbestos exposure.
- Many claimants used the product during their infancy and childhood, with some continuing to use it into adulthood.
This legal action asserts that the marketing of Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder referred to it as “mildness clinically proven,” raising additional concerns about consumer safety.
Tom Longstaff, a partner at KP Law, emphasized the intent to hold Johnson & Johnson accountable for their actions, stating, “We will be relentless in holding them to account on behalf of all those who have suffered due to their actions.”
