The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued an urgent public alert regarding ongoing legal actions in the United Kingdom involving Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based baby powder.
The alert, officially designated as Public Alert No. 043/2025, highlights a massive High Court claim in London where over 3,000 people allege that the company’s talcum products were contaminated with asbestos. These claimants link the long-term use of the powder to serious health conditions, including ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.
In a statement released to safeguard Nigerian consumers, NAFDAC explained that talc is a naturally occurring mineral often found in close proximity to asbestos in the earth. If mining and quality control processes are not strictly managed, talc can become contaminated with asbestos, which the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies as a Group 1 human carcinogen. Because Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder has been a staple in Nigerian households for decades—used extensively by women for hygiene and on infants for skin care—the agency is closely monitoring the potential risks.
The primary concern cited by health experts is that asbestos-contaminated talcum powder can lead to life-threatening diseases when inhaled or absorbed.
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Potential risks include cancer of the lungs, larynx, and ovaries, as well as mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer of the tissue that lines the lungs and abdomen. While Johnson & Johnson replaced its talc-based products with a cornstarch alternative globally in 2023, the ongoing UK lawsuit focuses on the decades of exposure prior to that transition.
Despite the gravity of the UK allegations,p NAFDAC has clarified that there is currently no conclusive regulatory determination linking current talc-based cosmetic products in Nigeria to cancer. The agency emphasized that the UK lawsuit represents allegations that are still subject to a final judicial outcome. Talc remains a legal ingredient in cosmetics globally, provided it meets the rigorous safety and purity standards required by national and international regulatory bodies.
NAFDAC is advising Nigerian consumers to remain vigilant and follow the instructions on product labels strictly. While the agency continues to monitor global scientific evidence and legal developments, it encourages anyone experiencing unusual health concerns potentially related to the use of talc-based products to seek immediate medical advice. The agency’s priority remains the prevention of contaminated or substandard regulated products from harming the Nigerian public.
To ensure comprehensive safety, NAFDAC has intensified its surveillance and laboratory testing of cosmetic products in the Nigerian market. The agency is working to verify that all talc-based powders currently on sale meet the necessary purity levels to be considered “asbestos-free.” This proactive stance is part of a broader commitment to maintaining an effective regulatory system that protects public health from carcinogenic contaminants.
The agency is also calling on the public to participate in active reporting of any adverse events. Consumers and healthcare professionals can report safety concerns or product defects directly to the nearest NAFDAC office. Additionally, reports can be filed via the official NAFDAC e-reporting platforms, the Med Safety App (available on Android and iOS), or by emailing the pharmacovigilance department at pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng.
By issuing this alert, NAFDAC aims to ensure that Nigerians are informed about global safety trends while preventing panic. The agency promises to provide further updates as more scientific and legal clarity emerges from the UK proceedings. For now, the focus remains on transparency, surveillance, and ensuring that every product on a Nigerian shelf is safe for both mother and child.
