Johnson and Johnson, makers of a wide range of products starting from baby shampoos to cardiovascular medical devices, has been directed by a court in the US to pay $72 million as compensation to the family of a woman who died of ovarian cancer. The victim’s use of Johnson and Johnson’s baby talcum powder over a number of years was linked to cancer.
The company, however, strongly refuted any claims of health risks associated with its products. In response to questions by BusinessLine , a spokesperson from Johnson and Johnson India said, “The recent jury outcome goes against decades of sound science proving the safety of talc as a cosmetic ingredient in multiple products, and while we sympathise with the family of the plaintiff, we strongly disagree with the outcome.”
Johnson and Johnson’s baby products are one of the most popular and questions on their safety and users have been expressing outrage over the social media.
‘Meets highest quality’ The spokesperson from Johnson and Johnson India, however, said, “The talc used in all our global products is carefully selected and meets the highest quality, purity and compliance standards. Our confidence in using talc reflects more than 30 years of research by independent scientists, review boards and global authorities, which have concluded that talc can be used safely in personal care products.”
The company, however, did not answer questions on whether or not it was likely to recall the product.
“Johnson & Johnson is committed to the safety and care of our customers and our products are supported by science, recommended by healthcare professionals, and trusted by people around the world. We are committed that every product from Johnson & Johnson is safe and effective when used as directed,” the spokesperson added.
Earlier fines However, this is not the first time the company’s product or its conduct has been called into question. In 2013, Johnson and Johnson was fined $2.2 billion for criminal and civil liabilities, which included payment of kickback to doctors and over marketing anti-psychotic drugs, Risperdal and Invega, for unapproved uses.
In 2012, the company had to recall 2,000 tubes of Aveeno Baby Calming Comfort Lotion for excessive levels of bacteria in the samples; in 2011, it recalled 57,000 bottles of epilepsy drug, Topamax over foul smell; in 2011, five lots of insulin pump cartridges were recalled for potential leaks. The company also faced lawsuit for flawed hip implants that caused metal poisoning in some users.