Johnson & Johnson Faces £1 Billion Lawsuit in UK Over Talc Products

Johnson & Johnson (J&J) is confronting its first lawsuits in the United Kingdom, alleging that its talc-based products have caused cancer. The legal action, initiated on March 5, 2024, at the English High Court, includes both J&J and Kenvue UK Limited, a subsidiary of Kenvue, which was spun off from J&J’s consumer health unit in 2023. Over 3,000 claimants are represented by KP Law, asserting that the use of J&J’s baby powder from 1965 to 2023 resulted in ovarian cancer, mesothelioma, and other severe health issues.

The plaintiffs contend that J&J’s talc products contained carcinogenic fibers, including asbestos, which is known to be linked to mesothelioma. This claim reflects ongoing concerns regarding the safety of talc-based consumer products, particularly in light of similar allegations that have surfaced in the United States.

According to statements from J&J, the company has consistently maintained that its talc products are safe and free from asbestos. In response to inquiries from Reuters, J&J directed questions to Kenvue, which stated that the baby powder “did not contain asbestos, and does not cause cancer.”

Background on Talc Lawsuits

The current legal challenges in the UK come as J&J has already been embroiled in tens of thousands of lawsuits related to its talc products in the United States. Notably, the company was ordered to pay approximately $966 million to the family of a woman who died from mesothelioma, primarily in punitive damages—a type of compensation that is not typically awarded in English courts.

J&J has ceased selling talc-based baby powder in the United States since 2020 and in the UK as of 2023. The company has since transitioned to offering cornstarch-based alternatives, reflecting a significant shift in product strategy amid ongoing legal scrutiny.

Financial Implications of the UK Lawsuit

KP Law estimates that the value of the UK lawsuit could reach around £1 billion (approximately $1.34 billion). In England, civil cases are commonly decided by a judge rather than a jury. While exemplary damages are a possibility, awards tend to be lower than those awarded in the United States.

Kenvue has expressed confidence that the court will conclude its talc-based baby powder does not cause cancer. As the legal proceedings unfold, the outcome may have significant implications for J&J’s reputation and financial standing, particularly in international markets where consumer safety concerns are paramount.

As this case develops, it highlights the broader issues surrounding product safety and corporate accountability in the health and consumer goods sectors, raising questions about the ongoing impact of historical product formulations on public health.