Riyadh — SFDA, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, has confirmed that the Johnson & Johnson baby powder sold in Saudi Arabia does not contain asbestos.
The SFDA’s confirmation came after a person inquired about the measures that the authority would take. Especially after the news of J&J’s decision to stop manufacturing and selling baby powder containing talc worldwide in 2023.
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Asbestos is a banned substance. It is particularly hazardous in cosmetic products, the SFDA noted.
It confirmed that it checks the safety of all products before they enter the territory of Saudi Arabia.
The authority confirmed periodic safety tests of cosmetic products traded in the local markets. The test requires taking samples of the products and examining them to ensure they are free of any banned substances in the Kingdom.
SFDA stated it had taken samples of J&J’s baby powder from all regions around Saudi Arabia and found the samples conform to the specifications and are free of asbestos.
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Meanwhile, Johnson & Johnson announced replacing talcum powder with cornstarch in all its global baby powder products.
Sources said that J&J is faced with multiple lawsuits from women who allege its talcum powder contained cancer-causing. J&J insists that decades of independent research show the product is safe to use.
