J&J to withdraw talc from shelves after thousands of lawsuits

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J&J to withdraw talc from shelves after thousands of lawsuits

Johnson is pulling baby powder containing talc next year, after it did the same in the U.S. and Canada amid thousands of lawsuits claiming it had caused cancer.

The company said that talc will be replaced by cornstarch.

The company has faced thousands of lawsuits alleging that its Talcum powder caused users to develop ovarian cancer through use for feminine hygiene, or mesothelioma, a cancer that affects the lungs and other organs.

J&J insists, and the overwhelming majority of medical research on Talc, that the talc baby powder is safe and doesn't cause cancer.

The controversy has resulted in a drop in demand for the company's baby powder and it has removed talc from the products in most of North America.

J&J said the change will simplify its product selection and meet changing global trends.

Johnson's shares were essentially flat before the opening bell Friday, despite the fact that they were based in New Brunswick, New Jersey.