Asbestos link to popular powder sparks US recall

Australian Medical Association/AusMed

Popular brand Johnson & Johnson's Baby Powder has been removed from major US retailers due to possible asbestos contamination.

The company voluntarily recalled about 33,000 22-ounce bottles of baby powder across America only, following trace amounts of asbestos samples being found in a bottle bought online.

The contamination was found by US health regulators. A month earlier, however, the US Food and Drug Administration found no asbestos in the J&J talcum powder.

Johnson & Johnson is already facing thousands of lawsuits over health and consumer concerns connected to a range of its products

This recall is the first time, however, that the hugely recognisable and widely used Baby Powder has been recalled for possible asbestos contamination.

A Johnson & Johnson spokesman said the removal by retailers was temporary and a cautionary move.

Asbestos is a carcinogen linked to mesothelioma.

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