Johnson & Johnson offers $5.5bn to settle baby powder lawsuits

Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has proposed a settlement of up to $5.5bn (£4.14bn) to address thousands of claims that its talc‑based baby powder caused ovarian cancer.

Background of the claims

The litigation dates back to 2009, when consumers alleged contamination of the company’s talc with asbestos, a known carcinogen. In 2022, J&J announced it would stop selling talc-based baby powder worldwide, having earlier discontinued the product in the U.S. in 2020.

Details of the settlement offer

The proposal targets roughly 69,000 cases, covering most of the remaining talc-related claims. The first payment of up to $3bn is set for 2025, with no further disbursements before 2028. Acceptance requires approval from firms representing 95% of the ovarian‑cancer claims in state and federal courts.

Company response

Erik Haas, J&J’s vice‑president of litigation, called the allegations “meritless” and said the company would have prevailed in future trials. He added that the settlement would allow the company to move forward and focus on developing life‑saving medicines and devices.

Broader implications

The settlement would bring closure to a long‑running legal battle but does not negate the company’s prior denial that its talc was unsafe. Analysts note that the move underscores the growing regulatory scrutiny over talc and other consumer products.