Johnson & Johnson will discontinue sales of its talc-based baby powder products globally as from 2023.
In a statement on Wednesday J&J said that they will now transition to “an all cornstarch-based baby powder portfolio” as they continue to optimize long-term solutions.
“As part of a worldwide portfolio assessment, we have made the commercial decision to transition to an all cornstarch-based baby powder portfolio,” it said in a statement.
“This transition will help simplify our product offerings, deliver sustainable innovation, and meet the needs of our consumers, customers and evolving global trends.”
J&J reiterated their position that the product is safe to use and their position on the same remains unchanged.
“We stand firmly behind the decades of independent scientific analysis by medical experts around the world that confirms talc-based Johnson’s baby powder is safe, does not contain asbestos, and does not cause cancer,” it said.
They assured that their priority remains to serve their customers satisfactorily and that their products are loved by many.
“We remain fully committed to ensuring JOHNSON’S products are loved by parents and families for years to come,” added the statement.
Johnson & Johnson has sold cornstarch baby powder for decades, developing the version of the product in 1980 after consumer advocates raised concerns that talc contained traces of asbestos, a carcinogen.
The company had however started discontinuing North American sales of the powder in 2020 after recalling some bottles in 2019.
Baby powder is used for preventing nappy rash and for cosmetic uses, including as a dry shampoo.
J&J received more than 40,000 lawsuits from cancer patients, accusing them of selling the product while being aware of its links to health risks, such as possible asbestos contamination.
Asbestos contamination happens when microscopic asbestos fibers become airborne. The toxic mineral dust can remain in the air for hours, placing anyone nearby in danger of inhaling or ingesting it.
It could cause lung cancer and mesothelioma – a type of cancer that develops in the lining that covers the outer surface of some of the body’s organs.