Johnson & Johnson to appeal $55m compensation awarded in talcum powder case

The complainant is a 62-year-old American woman named Gloria Ristesund. She said that she had used J&J’s talc-based powder products, which include the Baby Powder and Shower to Shower Powder, on her genitals for decades.

Ristesund was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2011 underwent a hysterectomy and related surgeries. Her cancer is now in remission.

After a three-week trial in a Missouri state court, Ristesund received $5m as compensatory damages and $50m in punitive damages.
Following the verdict, the company has decided to further its appeal and plans to continue to defend the safety of Johnson’s Baby Powder product.

The company, which is embroiled in 1,200 of similar claims, calls its products to be safe.

Johnson & Johnson Consumer spokesperson Carol Goodrich said: "Unfortunately, the jury’s decision goes against 30 years of studies by medical experts around the world that continue to support the safety of cosmetic talc.

"We understand that women and families affected by ovarian cancer are searching for answers, and we deeply sympathize with all who have been affected by this devastating disease with no known cause.

"Johnson & Johnson has always taken questions about the safety of our products extremely seriously. Multiple scientific and regulatory reviews have determined that talc is safe for use in cosmetic products and the labeling on Johnson’s Baby Powder is appropriate.

"For over 100 years, Johnson & Johnson has provided consumers with a safe choice for cosmetic powder products and we will continue to work hard to exceed consumer expectations and evolving product preferences."

This judgment came after a $72m jury award in similar case in February to the family of a woman who died from ovarian cancer after reportedly using talc powder for genital hygiene.