Legal Action Taken by Thousands Over Suspected Cancer Connection to Baby Powder
Johnson & Johnson, a pharmaceutical giant, denies that its talc-based products caused cancer despite successful lawsuits in North America.
Many women in the UK are preparing to take legal action against Johnson & Johnson (J&J) due to alleged connections between its talc-based baby powder and ovarian cancer.
Lawyers assert that the US-based multinational company had knowledge of asbestos in its talc products for many years, but J&J has not admitted liability and maintains the safety of its baby powder.
Individuals filing claims, including cancer patients, survivors, and families of those affected, are demanding answers and expressing frustration.
Asbestos a Known Carcinogen
The UK case is being led by KP Law, representing approximately 2,000 people, with many more potential claimants seeking assistance.
Linda Jones, diagnosed with ovarian cancer in November 2023, expressed her anger stating, “We all used [J&J] talc, without exception… If there was any suggestion whatsoever that the talcum powder would cause harm… it should have been taken off the market.”
Formula Changed to Corn Starch
J&J discontinued talc-based baby powder sales in the UK in 2023, transitioning to corn-starch due to misinformation about their product.
Tom Longstaff from KP Law emphasized the importance of justice for those affected by J&J’s talcum powder products.
J&J’s worldwide vice president of litigation, Erik Haas, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to talc safety and transparency regarding their testing protocols.
‘A False Narrative’
Haas criticized the narrative pushed by plaintiffs’ lawyers in the US and the separation of Kenvue from J&J to handle talc liability outside the US and Canada.
Longstaff reiterated the commitment to obtaining justice for those affected by J&J’s products, highlighting the corporation’s alleged negligence and disregard for consumer safety.
KP Law has issued a letter before action on behalf of its clients, urging J&J to respond before pursuing legal action.
PA Media contributed to this report.