Johnson and Johnson, a prominent pharmaceutical company, has recently surrendered its license to produce baby powder at its Mumbai plant, three years after discontinuing the production of talc-based powders in the US and Canada. This decision is part of J&J’s global strategy to transition from talc-based to cornstarch-based baby powders.
Interestingly, J&J’s move comes shortly after winning a legal battle against the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to continue manufacturing baby powder. Abhimanyu Kale, the FDA commissioner, confirmed that J&J applied on June 22 to halt the production of baby powder at its Mulund plant. The cosmetic license covered the production of three variants of baby powder.
Kale stated, “Companies are not obliged to provide a reason. They expressed their intention to cease production, and we have accepted it.” However, baby powder bottles may still remain on store shelves for some time as the company can distribute and sell the batches produced until June 22, according to FDA officials. Nevertheless, sources indicate that J&J has already either stopped or significantly reduced the manufacturing of baby powder due to declining demand over the years.
J&J’s baby powder, a widely recognized brand globally, has faced numerous lawsuits and calls for a ban due to alleged links to cancer. According to FDA records, the company obtained permission to manufacture baby powder in 1965 and has produced millions of batches at its suburban Mumbai plant since then.
“In August 2022, we made a commercial decision to transition to a baby powder portfolio exclusively based on cornstarch. This decision aimed to simplify our product offerings, drive sustainable innovation, and align with consumer needs and evolving global trends. Talc-based Johnson’s baby powder is no longer manufactured in India, and thus the cosmetic manufacturing license for this product is no longer necessary,” stated the company in a statement to TOI.
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