Court approves Scottish group action over Johnson & Johnson baby powder

Around 300 people in Scotland who were diagnosed with cancer after using the company’s baby powder have been granted permission to pursue the case.

The claim alleges Johnson & Johnson knowingly sold talcum powder containing asbestos, leading to illnesses including ovarian cancer, mesothelioma, fallopian tube cancer and peritoneal cancer. The company denies the allegations.

In granting permission, the court ruled the claims have a real prospect of success and that group proceedings are the appropriate way to deal with them.

The case is believed to be the first group action of its kind against Johnson & Johnson in Scotland.

More than 7,000 claimants across the UK have brought similar claims in what has been described as potentially the largest product liability group action in UK legal history. Johnson & Johnson withdrew its talc-based baby powder from sale in the UK in 2023.

The company has previously maintained its talc “was compliant with any required regulatory standards, did not contain asbestos, and does not cause cancer”.

Dominic Ritchie, partner and head of group actions at Jones Whyte, said: “This is an important step for people in Scotland who believe they were harmed by these products. Anyone in Scotland who used Johnson & Johnson talcum powder and has since been diagnosed with cancer should feel able to come forward.”