Johnson & Johnson faces claim by 3,000 in U.K. who say asbestos in talcum powder made them sick
Legal Claim Against Johnson & Johnson in the UK
London — Thousands of people in the United Kingdom have come together to file a joint legal claim valued at over £1 billion ($1.34 billion) against Johnson & Johnson. The claim alleges that the U.S. pharmaceutical giant knowingly sold baby powder contaminated with carcinogenic asbestos.
The legal action involves more than 3,000 individuals who have suffered from various forms of cancer and other diseases. The basis of the claim stems from internal memos and scientific reports that suggest Johnson & Johnson was aware of the contamination in their products.
While the company has faced similar cases in the United States, including a recent settlement, the U.K. lawsuit covers a timeline from 1965 to 2023. The claim asserts that Johnson & Johnson continued to sell talc products containing carcinogenic fibers, including asbestos, for over five decades.
According to the claim, the firm only removed its talcum powder products from British shelves in 2023, three years after making the switch to a cornstarch-based alternative in Canada and the U.S. Lead lawyer for the claimants, Tom Longstaff of KP Law, accuses Johnson & Johnson of prioritizing profit over consumer safety.
In response to the allegations, Johnson & Johnson redirected inquiries to Kenvue Ltd., a separate entity that took over talc-related litigation outside of the U.S. and Canada. Kenvue maintains that its baby powder underwent rigorous testing and complies with regulatory standards.
Talc, a naturally occurring mineral, can be found alongside asbestos during mining, making it challenging to eliminate all traces of the carcinogen from talcum powder. The claim links the regular use of Johnson & Johnson talc products to various cancers and diseases, leading to devastating consequences for consumers.
The U.K. lawsuit highlights internal documents from the 1960s that suggest Johnson & Johnson was aware of the potential risks associated with its talc-based products. Despite the growing understanding of asbestos dangers in the 1980s, the company allegedly lobbied against regulation.
The case will be adjudicated by a judge at the U.K. High Court’s Manchester Circuit Commercial Court. Kenvue remains confident that the evidence will demonstrate the safety of its talc-based powder.
Editor’s note: This article has been updated to correct the attribution of the statement from Kenvue Ltd. to BBC News and to note that it is a separate company from J&J, not a subsidiary.
