3rd June 2023 – (Harare) The Zimbabwean government has banned the importation, distribution, and sale of Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder after it was found to cause cancer. The decision was made after the American multinational company was ordered to pay $8.9 billion to the medical industry in compensation over allegations that its baby powder was causing cancer.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care issued the directive, ordering the removal of all Johnson & Johnson baby powder containing talc from the market. Environmental health officers and technicians were also advised to document their findings, and the products must be destroyed or recalled to the manufacturers. This ban comes after Zimbabwe had previously banned other baby powders following their recall by their South African distributor, Tiger Brands, after they were found to contain high levels of asbestos.