Is Johnson's baby powder safe? Dubai Municipality clarifies

Dubai - The multinational company is facing claims that its talcum powder causes cancer.

Dubai Municipality confirmed that Johnson's baby powder available in UAE market is safe for consumption, amid lawsuits that the multinational company is facing over claims that its talcum powder causes cancer.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Redha Salman, Director of Health and Safety Department at Dubai Municipality, said the civic body periodically tests samples of the product to ensure its safety.
"If any suspicious substances were detected through our testing, we would have withdrawn the product immediately from the market shelves," said Salman.
He noted that cosmetics and personal care products, whether imported or manufactured in UAE, are tightly controlled. No product is released into UAE markets unless it meets the approved technical specifications and health and safety requirements.
Johnson & Johnson has been sued by thousands in the US and elsewhere over controversies that its talcum, used in the baby powder, causes cancer. However, the multinational company insists on the safety and purity of its products, confirming they're free of the carcinogenic asbestos.
Salman confirmed that that the talc is widely used in our food like rice, chewing gum and olive oil, makeup, antiperspirant. The talcum powder is the refined, powdery form of the talc, which is the softest mineral on earth. "People have taken advantage of the substance's natural smoothness and absorbency for thousands of years. Until now talc is used to moisturise and protect the skin," he said, confirming that Johnson's baby powder is made by pharmaceutical and medically approved talc.
According to figures, the National Cancer Institute's Physician Data Query Editorial Board concluded that the weight of evidence does not support an association between perineal talc exposure and increased risk of ovarian cancer.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel have determined talc is safe after investigating its potential harmfulness. The FDA has reportedly studied the issue for years, concluding that the talc used in Johnson's baby powder was not contaminated with asbestos.
sherouk@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai