Amid enduring consumer safety concerns, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed new regulations requiring manufacturers of talc-based cosmetics, including baby powder, to implement rigorous testing for asbestos. This announcement follows mandates from Congress aimed at cementing safer industry practices in an arena marred by ongoing litigation and safety debates

The proposed rule, unveiled on Thursday, mandates comprehensive testing techniques for detecting asbestos contamination, leveraging methodologies such as polarized light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Manufacturers will also have the option to use certificates of analysis from their talc suppliers, as stated in the announcement (CBS News).

This initiative responds to persistent concerns about the potential for asbestos exposure through talc products, as both minerals are often found in the same geological formations. Dr. Linda Katz, director of the FDA’s Office of Cosmetics and Colors, remarked, “We believe that the proposed testing techniques are appropriate methods to detect asbestos to help ensure the safety of talc-containing cosmetic products” (AP News).

The proposal comes on the heels of significant allegations against Johnson & Johnson, with ongoing litigation suggesting that their talc powder was linked to cases of ovarian cancer. The pharmaceutical giant has faced over thousands of lawsuits, resulting in substantial settlements, including a recent proposition to allocate approximately $8 billion in claims (CBS News).

Despite the introduction of these new testing standards, advocates from organizations such as the U.S. Public Interest Research Group continue to call for an outright ban on talc, reflecting heightened public scrutiny. It's noteworthy that while the FDA's recent testing since 2021 of cosmetic samples has consistently returned negative results for asbestos, the need for clear testing protocols remains critical due to the historical context of the products (AP News).

In 2020, J&J removed talc-based baby powders from the U.S. market, extending the ban internationally in 2023. However, the company continues to defend the safety of its products amid ongoing regulation and consumer vigilance.

Links to the full articles can be found here: CBS News and AP News.