The general public has been warned by the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) on Wednesday 6th February, 2019 to beware of a fake Johnson’s Baby Powder in circulation in the country at the moment.
According to the CPC the popular Johnson & Johnson (J&J) product, Johnson’s Baby Talc (Baby/Body) powder in circulation was found to be harmful and injurious to users. Based on that they have warned the general public to avoid the use of the above-listed products
According to the Director General of the CPC, Babatunde Irukera, said a court in the United States decided the company failed to warn consumers about the potential health risks associated with using its baby and body powder products on the general public.
In the brief by the CPC, they stated that the plaintiffs in the case had claimed that asbestos (a known carcinogen, allegedly present in the talc-an ingredient of the products) was found in the above-stated products which had caused them to develop ovarian cancer.
Mr Irukera said that although J&J has already indicated its intention to appeal the case, the Council considers it important to alert and educate consumers in Nigeria as they make choices with respect to baby and body powders. He stated that at the moment regulatory documents filed in the United States reveal that there are more than 9,000 plaintiffs against the company in cases involving their talc body powder.
Mr Irukera also stated that the Council has noted that scientific findings in support of the decision of the court are otherwise inconclusive. But the Director General of the CPC said a consumer advisory in this regard was appropriate pursuant to Sections 2(b) and 2(c) of the Consumer Protection Council Act (CPCA). The Council also recognises that the National Agency for Food & Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) as relevant and key regulators with respect to food and drug safety and standards. The Council is in communication with both regulators accordingly.
The CPC has called on consumers to proceed with an abundance of caution, and to contact NAFDAC, SON or the Council with any questions while considering alternatives such as face/skin powders containing corn starch instead of talc.
