Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) refuted the claims of the US FDA and said 15 new tests confirm the recalled baby power is free from asbestos. The company hired third-party laboratories to conduct tests on the recalled baby powder lots. Johnson & Johnson stock trades at $132.84, an increase of 2.87%. The stock lost over 8% in the past six months over the concerns that baby powder contains the cancer-causing mineral.
15 new tests disprove the asbestos presence
Third-party laboratories conducted 15 new tests in a standard room on the samples collected from 33,000 recalled baby powder lots. The tests disproved the presence of a cancer-causing mineral in the baby powder.
Tests conducted in a lab that comprises an air conditioner contaminated with asbestos showed positive for the mineral. Johnson & Johnson said it is due to the presence of asbestos in a portable air conditioner. Therefore, the company said despite adopting possible protection measures; the contaminated asbestos could make way into the sample during preparation, storage, division, and analysis.
Johnson & Johnson has recalled 33,000 baby powder bottles after the US FDA found the presence of asbestos. The company halted the sale of 22-ounce bottles at retailers that include Walmart, Rite Aid, and CVS.
Faces a lot of lawsuits
Johnson & Johnson is facing a lot of lawsuits that claim its talc-based powder comprises asbestos. Twenty-two women, along with their families last year, won an award of $4.7 billion towards the damages. The jury awarded the sum considering merits in their appeal that ovarian cancer is caused because of the presence of asbestos in the talcum powder. Johnson & Johnson is filing an appeal against the verdict.
India to start investigations into baby powder
After Johnson & Johnson baby powder recall in the US, Indian authorities are investigating the safety of these products with the help of the FDA. According to a senior official, the regulator would conduct tests on the samples to confirm if they are contaminated with asbestos. However, Johnson & Johnson reiterates that it’s baby powder is safe to use and free from asbestos.
