Poorva Chavan
... Read More
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookie Policy.
Written By: Poorva Chavan | Updated : March 11, 2016 10:47 AM IST
A US court recently ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $72 million as compensation to the family of a 62-year-old woman who died of ovarian cancer after using their talcum powder for 35 years. Following this news, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration has sent eight samples of the baby powder collected from across the state for testing. The FDA has slapped a notice on the company and is about acquire samples of other talcum powders such as Shower to Shower, Dermicool, Ponds and Nycil to check for the presence of heavy metals.
The American woman named Jacqueline Fox had used Johnson & Johnson baby powder for feminine hygiene and had also used another talc called Shower to Shower for around 35 years. She died of ovarian cancer in October 2015.
While there's a lot of consciousness about contamination or the substandard quality of FMCG products in the West, there's very little to no awareness in India about these issues. The US court charged Johnson & Johnson with fraud and negligence and conspiracy and the link between the talcum powder and ovarian cancer was established.
Johnson & Johnson is the most commonly used baby products brand in India. According to reports, Maharashtra FDA commissioner informed that a notice has been sent to J&J and their officials have been called for a discussion. The FDA also wants study data on the talcum powder.
Omprakash Sadhwani, FDA Joint Commissioners also said that there needs to be a scientific validation of the carcinogens if any present in the powder and the product is not out of the markets yet.The products will be tested for the presence of heavy metals and whether they comply with Bureau of Indian Standards at the Bandra Kurla-based laboratory.
Image source: Shutterstock, for representational purposes only.
