Johnson & Johnson has reached a final consent judgment with the District of Columbia and 47 states, resolving allegations that the company misled consumers about the safety of its talcum powder products. The company has agreed to pay $700 million in four annual installments beginning July 30, without admitting liability or wrongdoing. The judgment is still pending judicial approval.
As part of the settlement, Johnson & Johnson has agreed to permanently halt the manufacturing, marketing, promotion, sale, and distribution of talcum powder products in the United States. This includes popular products like Johnson’s Baby Powder and Johnson & Johnson’s Shower to Shower. The agreement was reached to avoid the expense and uncertainty of litigation.
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, one of the attorneys general involved in the litigation, emphasized the importance of holding companies accountable for breaking laws that protect consumers. He stated that consumers rely on accurate information when making purchasing decisions for their families and that false advertising and dangerous products should not be tolerated.
The settlement was led by the attorneys general of Florida, North Carolina, and Texas, along with an executive committee consisting of Mr. Raoul and other attorneys general. Many states will receive significant amounts from the settlement, pending court approval. For example, California is expected to receive around $78 million, Texas $61 million, Florida $48 million, New Jersey $30 million, and Illinois $29 million. The remaining states will receive between $3 million and $30 million.
Johnson & Johnson has faced broader litigation regarding its talc-based products, with claims that talc may cause serious health problems such as mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. Recently, a jury in Portland awarded $260 million in damages to a woman who was diagnosed with mesothelioma allegedly due to exposure to asbestos in Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based baby powder. The jury found that the company knew about asbestos in its talc powder but did not remove the product from the market until recent years.
Despite Johnson & Johnson’s assertion that its talc products are safe, the company stopped selling talc-based baby powder in the United States and Canada in 2020 and plans to phase out global sales by 2023. The company has also proposed a $6.5 billion settlement to address claims alleging that its talc products caused ovarian cancer. This settlement, expected to be paid over 25 years, aims to resolve thousands of pending lawsuits in the United States.
The recent settlement with the District of Columbia and the 47 states is a significant development in the ongoing legal battle surrounding Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products. By agreeing to pay $700 million and to cease the production and distribution of these products, the company is taking steps to address the concerns raised by consumers and state authorities.
However, it is important to note that Johnson & Johnson continues to maintain that its talc products are safe and do not contain asbestos or cause cancer. The company’s worldwide vice president of litigation stated that the recent verdict contradicting the safety of talc products goes against decades of scientific evaluations.
Ultimately, the final resolution of the talc litigation remains a complex issue. As more studies and evidence emerge, it will be crucial to thoroughly evaluate the potential risks associated with talc-based products. Consumer safety should always be a top priority, and holding companies accountable for any wrongdoing is essential in maintaining trust and ensuring the well-being of individuals and families.
