Johnson & Johnson Faces First UK Legal Battle Over Talcum Powder Cancer Allegations

Johnson & Johnson (J&J) is facing its first legal battle in the UK over allegations that its talcum powder products caused cancer. A group of nearly 2,000 women represented by KP Law claims they were exposed to asbestos in the company’s talc-based products, leading to life-altering cancers such as ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.

Allegations Against Johnson & Johnson

The claimants allege that J&J knew about the dangers of asbestos contamination in its talcum powder as early as the 1970s but failed to inform consumers. The law firm asserts that the company continued selling these products in the UK until 2022, despite the risks.

“Women who have been diagnosed with life-changing and life-limiting cancers were exposed to asbestos contained within the company’s talcum powder,” KP Law stated. The firm also reported that it has been contacted by thousands of potential claimants, many of whom have lost loved ones to cancer.

J&J has until the end of the year to respond to a pre-action letter sent on behalf of KP Law’s clients, after which the case will be formally filed in the UK’s High Court.

Johnson & Johnson’s Defence

Erik Haas, J&J’s worldwide vice president of litigation, strongly denied the allegations, stating, “Johnson & Johnson takes the issue of talc safety incredibly seriously and always has.” Haas added that the company’s own tests showed no asbestos contamination in its talcum powder and cited independent scientific studies that found no link between talc use and cancer risks.

The company also clarified that any liability for talc claims outside the United States and Canada falls under Kenvue, its former consumer-health division, which was spun off in 2023. Kenvue has not yet commented on the matter.

Background on the Controversy

This lawsuit follows a series of similar legal battles J&J has faced in North America, where it has already paid billions in settlements.

In September 2024, J&J increased its offer to settle talc-related claims in the US to $8 billion, payable over 25 years, after previously agreeing to a $700 million settlement earlier this year over misleading customers about the safety of its products. While the company has consistently denied wrongdoing, it withdrew its talcum-based products from the North American market in 2020.

In July 2023, the World Health Organization’s cancer research agency classified talc as “probably carcinogenic” to humans. However, a 2020 summary of studies involving 250,000 women in the United States did not find a statistically significant link between genital talc use and ovarian cancer.

Global Implications

The UK case represents a significant extension of J&J’s legal challenges, as the company now faces scrutiny beyond North America. Legal experts believe this lawsuit could set a precedent for similar cases in Europe, further intensifying the spotlight on the multinational’s practices.

For now, J&J continues to defend its safety protocols while facing mounting pressure to address these allegations, signalling a critical juncture for the company’s reputation and financial stability.

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