Johnson & Johnson Hit with UK Lawsuits Alleging Cancer Risk from Baby Powder

Johnson & Johnson is now facing its first lawsuits in the United Kingdom concerning the potential cancer risks associated with its talc products. The cases are filed in response to claims by over 3,000 individuals who allege that their use of Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder from 1965 to 2023 led to serious health issues, including ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.

Lawsuits Filed in the UK

The lawsuits were submitted to the English High Court on October 16, 2023. They name Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue UK Limited, a subsidiary of the consumer health unit that was spun off in 2023. The law firm KP Law is representing the claimants, asserting that the talc products contained harmful fibers, including asbestos, which have been linked to mesothelioma.

Response from Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue

Johnson & Johnson has consistently maintained that its talc products are safe and free from asbestos. The company directed all inquiries to Kenvue, which stated that they assume responsibility for any talc-related liabilities outside the U.S. and Canada. Kenvue emphasized that its baby powder does not contain asbestos and does not cause cancer.

Context of the Lawsuits

• US Lawsuits: Johnson & Johnson is also embroiled in tens of thousands of lawsuits in the United States.
• Product Changes: In 2020, J&J ceased the sale of talc-based baby powder in the U.S., and in 2023, it made a similar shift in the UK, opting for a cornstarch formula instead.
• Bankruptcy Efforts: The company has attempted to manage these litigations through bankruptcy, which has faced multiple rejections by federal courts.

Recent Legal Developments

Recently, a U.S. court ruled that Johnson & Johnson must pay $966 million to the family of a woman who died from mesothelioma. This ruling marks one of the largest awards against the company, although it is subject to appeal. In England, however, damages are typically limited to compensatory amounts, and punitive damages are substantially lower compared to U.S. awards.

Estimated Value of the Lawsuit

The total estimated value of the UK lawsuits is around £1 billion, equivalent to approximately $1.34 billion. Unlike in the U.S., these civil suits in England will be judged solely by a judge instead of a jury.

Kenvue remains optimistic that judicial proceedings will confirm that its talc-based baby powder poses no cancer risk to consumers.