The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued Public Alert No. 043/2025, drawing public attention to ongoing legal actions in the United Kingdom involving Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based baby powder.
According to the alert, over 3,000 claimants in the UK have filed lawsuits alleging that Johnson & Johnson baby powder contained asbestos, a substance classified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a Group 1 human carcinogen.
NAFDAC Ta Gano Jabun Kwaroron Roba a Kano, Abuja da Wasu Jihohi
The claimants allege that long-term use of the product is linked to serious health conditions, including ovarian cancer, lung cancer, laryngeal cancer, and mesothelioma.
NAFDAC explained that talc is a naturally occurring mineral that can be found in close proximity to asbestos during mining, making strict quality control and testing essential to ensure cosmetic products are free from contamination.
Asbestos has been banned or tightly regulated in many countries due to its established cancer risks.
Johnson & Johnson baby powder is widely used globally, including in Nigeria, particularly by women and infants for hygiene and cosmetic purposes.
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The agency emphasized that the UK lawsuits represent allegations that are still subject to judicial determination and that there is currently no conclusive regulatory finding directly linking asbestos contamination in talc-based cosmetic products to cancer in consumers.
NAFDAC noted that talc remains permitted for use in cosmetics only when it meets approved safety and purity standards, adding that the agency continues to monitor emerging scientific evidence and international regulatory developments concerning talc safety.
NAFDAC advised consumers to use cosmetic products strictly according to label instructions and Seek medical advice if they experience any health concerns that may be linked to product use.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health through continuous surveillance of regulated products in the Nigerian market.
Consumers are encouraged to report adverse events or product safety concerns related to talc-based products to the nearest NAFDAC office or NAFDAC’s e-reporting platforms on www.nafdac.gov.ng
Others are, the Med Safety App (available on Android and iOS) or Email: pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng
NAFDAC stated that it will continue to take necessary actions to ensure the quality, safety, and efficacy of products available to Nigerians.