Johnson & Johnson stopped selling talc-based baby powder in the US in 2020 and globally in 2023, switching to cornstarch-based alternatives. Photo: ReutersA jury in the United States has awarded a hefty sum to the family of a woman who sued Johnson & Johnson alleging its talc-based baby powder was to blame for her ovarian cancer. Her son and daughter took over as the plaintiffs after she died of metastatic ovarian cancer, according to the lawsuit. The majority of lawsuits involve ovarian cancer claims. Cases alleging talc caused a rare and deadly cancer called mesothelioma make up a smaller portion of the claims J&J is facing.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 13, 2026 23:41 UTC