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The Maharashtra State Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has sent samples of cosmetic powder made by Johnson & Johnson for laboratory testing.
This follows the decision by a US court ordering Johnson & Johnson to pay $72 million in actual and punitive damages to the family of a 62- year-old woman who had died due to ovarian cancer. Johnson & Johnson was sued for failing to warn consumers of the dangers associated with talc, the mineral used in baby powder.
While the firm has denied the use of any unsafe material, FDA Joint Commissioner Omprakash Sadhwani told BusinessLine that samples would be tested for compliance with BIS standards.
“They will be tested for all ingredients, including talc. The chemical analysis reports from the labs could take 20 to 30 days,” he said.
Sadhwani confirmed that all major brands sold in the local market, including Johnson & Johnson, have been sent for testing. “The US court ruling was one of the factors for sending the powders to the labs,” he said.
Cosmetic powder has talc, a mineral made up mainly of magnesium, silicon and oxygen.
In powder form, it absorbs moisture, reduces friction and prevents skin infections. It is widely used in baby powder, and adult body and face powders.
It is also used in other consumer products.
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