Dr Harshdeep Kamble, commissioner, FDA-Maharashtra, said that samples of the product were collected from Mumbai and Thane region three days back.
Johnson & Johnson may have to face tough times ahead as the Maharashtra state Food and Drug Administration collected its baby powder samples for lab testing. This measure was taken after taking a cue from the death of a 62-year-old woman in America, which is believed to be due to sustained use of Johnson & Johnson's baby powder. She passed away due to ovarian cancer.
Dr Harshdeep Kamble, commissioner, FDA-Maharashtra, said that samples of the product were collected from Mumbai and Thane region three days back. "We have sent the samples for lab testing. It is a precautionary measure after the US incident," said Kamble. The FDA officer also said that they have asked the company to submit records and details of the product.
Questions were raised after 62-year-old woman in the US died of ovarian cancer in October 2015 and it was linked to sustained use of Johnson & Johnson baby powder. In an American civil suit last month, the jury ordered the company to pay $72 million to the family.
The sources in FDA also said that apart from J&J powder, they have also collected samples of other talcum powders widely used during summers and sent it for lab testing. "This is a routine check. We want to ensure that the talcum powders sold in Maharashtra doesn't have asbestos. This ingredient is known to cause rashes and is said to increase the risk of ovarian cancer in women who regularly use it in the genital area," said the FDA official who didn't want to be named. He said that during summers, the use of talcum powder goes up.
Reacting to the FDA's move, Dr Samir Dalwai, president, Indian Academy of Paediatrics, Mumbai, said that one needs to be vigilant about emerging threats to public health. "With the world being increasingly dependent on artificial processes, this is enhanced. When a concern is raised it is incumbent upon the stakeholders to scientifically evaluate the same. We hope we will get clarity on this soon," said Dalwai.
A Johnson & Johnson India spokesperson said, "We have met the Maharashtra FDA and provided them detailed information on the safety of talc."
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