Johnson & Johnson and its spin-off Kenvue Inc will pay approximately $5.5 billion (₹52,668 crore) to resolve tens of thousands of lawsuits in the United States alleging their baby powder and other talc products caused ovarian cancer, according to livemint.com. The settlement addresses claims spanning several years and marks a major financial resolution for the companies.
The lawsuits accused Johnson & Johnson's talc-based products of causing ovarian cancer, leading to widespread litigation. The company has consistently denied these allegations, maintaining that its baby powder products are safe and asbestos-free. Erik Haas, Vice President of Litigation at Johnson & Johnson, has defended the company’s century-long marketing practices and product safety, as reported by livemint.com.
This settlement is one of the largest in the consumer health product sector related to talc litigation, reflecting the significant legal and financial risks companies face over product safety claims. Johnson & Johnson’s decision to pay $5.5 billion contrasts with its prior stance of non-liability and follows a history of similar lawsuits that have affected the company’s reputation and financial standing. The case underscores ongoing scrutiny of talc-based products in the global health market.
Johnson & Johnson had announced plans to stop selling talc-based baby powder globally in 2023. The $5.5 billion settlement announced on July 28, 2026, resolves the bulk of outstanding claims in the US, according to livemint.com.