The Indian government is pressuring Johnson & Johnson to prove the safety of its products after the company lost a second lawsuit in the US over claims its baby talc caused ovarian cancer.

Drug Controller General of India GN Singh told BusinessLine that it has asked the company to prove the safety of its products in the light of it losing two lawsuits in the US over possible links between its talcum powder and ovarian cancer. Singh added that the drugs and cosmetics regulator was also considering revising the standards for the entire talcum powder sector.

“We have asked the Bureau of Indian Standards to look into the safety data of talcum powders across the sector and have asked them to set the standards. As a regulator, we are seriously considering putting into place cautionary labels for such products,” he said.

On Tuesday, J&J was ordered to pay $55 million (about ₹366.35 crore) to a woman who claimed the use of its talc for feminine hygiene caused ovarian cancer. In February, the company had been directed to pay $72 million (₹479.52 crore) as compensation to the family of a woman who had died of ovarian cancer.

These cases could spell disaster for the company, which is reportedly facing over 1,200 cases accusing it of failing to warn consumers of the dangers. A J&J India spokesperson said they would contest these orders.

“Unfortunately, the jury’s decision goes against 30 years of studies by medical experts that continue to support the safety of cosmetic talc. Johnson & Johnson has always taken questions about the safety of our products seriously. Multiple scientific and regulatory reviews have determined that the talc is safe for use in cosmetic products and the labelling on Johnson’s Baby Powder is appropriate,” the spokesperson said.

While the use of talc among adults for feminine hygiene is causing concern, use of the baby products’ line for children, too, is under the lens.

Dr Sisir Paul, Senior Consultant, Max Institute of Paediatrics, said: “Till a few years back, J&J was the only baby products manufacturer. And we have seen lots of allergies among children. Now there are five to six other companies in the sector who may be doing better. I won’t vouch for J&J’s safety and quality.”

Dr Paul said the use of baby talcum powder was not recommended near private parts for problems, such as diaper rash, preferring creams and medicated products meant specifically for these issues.

Parents, too, appear to be wary. The sales of J&J’s baby care range, which includes ‘No More Tears’ shampoo and baby talcum powder, have taken a hit in the US, dropping to $95 million in the January-March quarter of 2016 from $111 million in the same quarter of the previous fiscal. Their international sales in the segment also dropped to $356 million from $400 million in the same quarter last fiscal.

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