FDA Proposes New Rule for Asbestos Testing in Talc-Containing Cosmetics Amid Johnson & Johnson Lawsuits

Dec 27, 2024, 08:30 AM

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed a new rule aimed at ensuring that talc-containing cosmetic products are free of asbestos. The proposed rule, if finalized, would mandate standardized testing methods to detect and identify asbestos in these products, protecting consumers from potential harm. This proposal comes in the wake of numerous lawsuits against companies like Johnson & Johnson, which have been accused of selling talc-based products contaminated with asbestos, leading to health issues such as cancer. A notable case involves a man from Maine suing Johnson & Johnson for $25 million, alleging that his wife died from mesothelioma caused by the company's talc powder. The FDA's initiative follows a 2023 law passed by Congress, which required the agency to establish new industry standards for asbestos testing in cosmetics.