Johnson & Johnson recall 33,000 bottles of baby powder in US due to asbestos concerns

An investigation has begun in the States.

Johnson & Johnson has recalled 33,000 bottles of baby powder in the US due to the possible presence of asbestos. The company decided to recall the single batch of the product after Food and Drug Administration (FDA) testing found traces of asbestos in one bottle purchased online. The batch, which was distributed across the US last year, has been recalled as a precaution. Johnson & Johnson were notified of the presence of asbestos yesterday. They have since launched an investigation with the FDA. A statement reads: "Out of an abundance of caution, Johnson & Johnson announced that it is initiating a voluntary recall in the United States of a single lot of its Johnson’s Baby Powder in response to a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) test indicating the presence of sub-trace levels of chrysotile asbestos contamination (no greater than 0.00002%) in samples from a single bottle purchased from an online retailer. "Despite the low levels reported and in full cooperation and collaboration with the FDA, JJCI is initiating this voluntary recall of Lot #22318RB of Johnson’s Baby Powder, from which the tested sample was taken." The company said that they cannot yet confirm if the asbestos was caused by cross contamination of a sample, whether the seal on the tested bottle was broken, or whether the tested product is real or counterfeit.