Johnson & Johnson faces first UK talc lawsuits amid rising US litigation

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Johnson & Johnson has been hit with its first-ever legal cases in the United Kingdom over claims that its talc-based baby powder products caused cancer. The move comes as the healthcare giant continues to face a wave of lawsuits in the United States, where thousands of plaintiffs allege that long-term talc use led to ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.

According to reports, multiple UK claimants have filed suits in London’s High Court, alleging that J&J’s talc products contained traces of asbestos — a substance known to cause cancer. The cases are being coordinated by law firm Leigh Day, which confirmed it is representing a group of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using Johnson’s Baby Powder.

The company has consistently denied the allegations, maintaining that its talc products are “safe, asbestos-free, and rigorously tested”, citing decades of independent studies and global regulatory reviews.

In the US, J&J faces more than 50,000 active claims and has set aside billions in legal reserves while simultaneously pursuing settlements through a bankruptcy-related restructuring of its talc liabilities. Analysts say the UK lawsuits mark a major turning point, potentially opening doors for further European claims.

Legal experts view this as part of a broader trend of cross-border product liability litigation, where rulings in one jurisdiction could influence outcomes elsewhere. J&J has stated it will “vigorously defend” itself against all allegations.