J&J to stop production of baby talc in India by Q1 of 2023

Johnson & Johnson, which is under scrutiny by health groups for continuing to sell its baby talc in India, said it would stop the production of the talc-based Johnson's baby powder here by the first quarter of 2023. "We will work closely with our customers and other partners on this," a J&J India spokesperson said in an emailed response to ET's questions.

Following multiple global lawsuits alleging that its baby talc is carcinogenic, J&J has discontinued the product in the US, the UK and Canada where it has switched to cornstarch-based baby powder. This month, the US-based company also announced its decision to stop the production of the talcum powder globally.
In India, there has been no direction yet from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) to discontinue the product.

"Johnson & Johnson will wind down the production of talc-based Johnson's Baby Powder by the first quarter of 2023," the spokesperson said. However, the existing inventory will continue to be sold by retailers, even as the supply capacity for an all-cornstarch portfolio is increased.

India is a fast-growing talcum powder market and sales of the category is estimated at ₹1,500 crore a year. Top brands include Hindustan Unilever's Pond's Dreamflower, Wipro's Yardley and Santoor, and Nivea. The baby talc market is estimated at about ₹450 crore, with J&J being the category leader. Other players include Himalaya baby powder and new entrant Dabur.

Industry executives said they follow stringent safety rules for their products. A spokesperson for Wipro Consumer Care said, "Our talc range across all our brands namely, Yardley, Santoor, Enchanteur go through stringent quality control and manufacturing processes. Our products are safe and cause no harm to the skin."

J&J faces multiple lawsuits globally, claiming that its baby talc is contaminated with asbestos, a carcinogen.

"As part of a worldwide portfolio assessment, Johnson & Johnson has made the commercial decision to transition to an all cornstarch-based baby powder portfolio. As a result of this transition, talc-based Johnson's Baby Powder will be discontinued globally in 2023," the spokesperson said.