Baby Powered Recall 2019: Asbestos Forces Recall By Johnson & Johnson

Following accusations over the link between its baby powder and ovarian cancer, Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) has initiated a recall of one lot of baby powder because it may contain asbestos. The asbestos was found in sub-trace levels during testing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The recall reportedly affects about 33,000 bottles of Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder with a lot code of #22318RB.

While Johnson & Johnson is issuing the recall “out of an abundance of caution,” it is calling into question the validity of the testing performed by the FDA.

Johnson & Johnson said it is in the early stages of an investigation to determine if cross-contamination of the sample occurred, if the sample was taken from a bottle with an intact seat, if the test was done in a controlled environment, and whether the test product was authentic or a counterfeit.

Johnson & Johnson also said it does rigorous testing to ensure its baby powder is safe and does not contain asbestos.

The company said in a statement, “Thousands of tests over the past 40 years repeatedly confirm that our consumer talc products do not contain asbestos. Our talc comes from ore sources confirmed to meet our stringent specifications that exceed industry standards.

“Not only do we and our suppliers routinely test to ensure our talc does not contain asbestos, our talc has also been tested and confirmed to be asbestos-free by a range of independent laboratories, universities and global health authorities.”

Consumers that have purchased the recalled baby powder should discontinue using the product. To receive a refund, consumers should contact the Johnson & Johnson Consumer Care Center at www.johnsonsbaby.com or by calling 1-866-565-2229.

Shares of Johnson & Johnson stock were down 4.56 percent as of 12:04 p.m. ET on Friday.