FDA Finds Asbestos in J&J Baby Powder
In October 2019, FDA testing found asbestos in J&J Baby Powder for the first time, triggering a voluntary recall of 33,000 bottles.
First Government Finding of Asbestos in J&J Baby Powder
On October 18, 2019, Johnson & Johnson announced a voluntary recall of 33,000 bottles of its baby powder after FDA testing detected chrysotile asbestos in one bottle. The finding marked the first time U.S. regulators had announced asbestos contamination in the iconic product.
Key Details
| Finding | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | October 18, 2019 |
| Recalled lot | #22318RB |
| Bottles recalled | 33,000 |
| Contamination level | Sub-trace levels (0.00002%) |
| Source | Bottle purchased from online retailer |
FDA Testing Program
The contaminated sample was discovered as part of FDA’s ongoing survey of cosmetic products for asbestos, which began in 2018. The agency tested approximately 50 cosmetic products and found asbestos in 9 of them. A 17% contamination rate that alarmed public health experts.
A second J&J Baby Powder sample from a different lot tested negative for asbestos.
J&J’s Response
Johnson & Johnson disputed the FDA’s findings. In the following weeks, the company conducted 155 additional tests using four different testing methods and two independent laboratories. J&J claimed all follow-up tests found no asbestos and suggested the FDA’s results stemmed from “test sample contamination and/or analyst error.”
The FDA stood by its findings, noting that contaminants are not uniformly distributed throughout talc products and that no standardized test method for asbestos in talc exists.
Significance
This recall proved significant for several reasons:
- First official finding: The first time any U.S. regulator announced finding asbestos in J&J Baby Powder
- Legal impact: Strengthened ongoing litigation, with plaintiffs citing the finding as evidence J&J’s safety claims were false
- Industry scrutiny: Intensified FDA and congressional attention on cosmetic talc safety
- Consumer awareness: Prompted millions of consumers to question product safety
The Bigger Picture
The 2019 finding came amid:
- Over 15,000 lawsuits already filed against J&J over talc-cancer links
- Internal company documents showing J&J knew about asbestos contamination risks for decades
- Growing scientific evidence linking talc to ovarian cancer and mesothelioma
Within a year of the recall, J&J stopped selling talc-based baby powder in the United States, and by 2023, discontinued the product globally.
The 2019 FDA finding was the first time U.S. regulators announced asbestos contamination in J&J Baby Powder. It came amid over 15,000 lawsuits and internal documents showing J&J knew about contamination risks for decades.
Reader Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the 2019 FDA finding significant?
It was the first time any U.S. regulator announced finding asbestos in J&J Baby Powder. The finding strengthened ongoing litigation, intensified regulatory scrutiny, and prompted millions of consumers to question product safety. Within a year, J&J stopped selling talc-based baby powder in the United States.
Did J&J accept the FDA's findings?
No. J&J disputed the results, conducted 155 additional tests, and claimed all follow-up tests found no asbestos. J&J suggested the FDA’s results stemmed from “test sample contamination and/or analyst error.” The FDA stood by its findings.
How prevalent was asbestos contamination in cosmetics?
The FDA testing program found asbestos in 9 of approximately 50 cosmetic products tested. A 17% contamination rate. Products from multiple brands tested positive, not just J&J.
What happened to J&J Baby Powder after this?
J&J stopped selling talc-based baby powder in North America in 2020 and discontinued the product globally in 2023. The company now uses cornstarch in its baby powder formula.
Does Johnson's baby powder still contain asbestos?
Johnson & Johnson discontinued talc-based baby powder in North America in 2020 and globally by 2023, switching to a cornstarch-based formula that does not contain asbestos. The prior talc version risked asbestos contamination due to talc mining near asbestos deposits, with FDA detecting chrysotile fibers in one 2019 lot, prompting a voluntary recall. People with mesothelioma have pursued lawsuits alleging asbestos in historical talc products caused their disease, though J&J maintains its products were asbestos-free. Cornstarch baby powder shows no evidence of asbestos per available testing.
What is the average payout for the baby powder lawsuit?
Settlement and verdict amounts in talcum powder lawsuits vary widely depending on diagnosis, medical expenses, and exposure history. For ovarian cancer cases, many settlements average around $100,000, though a 2020 Johnson & Johnson settlement of $100 million across 1,000 cases averaged approximately $100,000 per person. For mesothelioma cases specifically, settlements typically range from $1 million to $1.4 million. Jury verdicts tend to be substantially higher than settlements, with some reaching tens of millions of dollars, such as a $966 million award in October 2025. Since many settlement amounts remain confidential and cases vary significantly, no single “average” figure applies across all talcum powder claims.
Is Johnson and Johnson baby powder safe to use now?
Johnson & Johnson discontinued its talc-based Baby Powder worldwide by 2023, so the original formulation is no longer available for purchase through official channels. The company now sells a cornstarch-based version of Baby Powder in North America, which does not contain talc. However, people with asbestos exposure from the talc formulation have filed over 60,000 lawsuits, with recent verdicts awarding compensation for cancers including ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. Talc can become contaminated with asbestos during mining, and internal documents show Johnson & Johnson was aware of asbestos in its talc products as early as the 1960s. If you used the talc formulation and have health concerns, legal counsel can evaluate your exposure history and eligibility for compensation through settlements or verdicts.