Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy, sent a letter to Johnson & Johnson CEO Alex Gorsky, seeking information about the company’s reported plans to pursue bankruptcy protection for a dedicated subsidiary the company would create to assume liability for injuries allegedly caused by Johnson & Johnson talc Baby Powder.
“Through this Subcommittee’s investigation into the presence of carcinogenic asbestos in Johnson & Johnson’s talc Baby Powder, we have heard from people diagnosed with mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. And we have heard from families who have lost loved ones to those diseases," wrote Chairman Krishnamoorthi. “We seek to learn how those who have suffered harm from your product could be affected by your reported plan."
From 2019 to 2020, the Subcommittee conducted investigations into the health risks of asbestos in talc-containing consumer products, focusing on Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder. The hearings led the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s Interagency Working Group to recommend new approaches to regulating talc product testing, which mirrored the Subcommittee’s recommendations. And in May 2020, Johnson & Johnson discontinued sales of its talc-based Baby Powder.
In his letter, Chairman Krishnamoorthi asked the company to address whether it plans to adequately capitalize the new entity to cover its extensive liabilities.
Chairman Krishnamoorthi requested all documents and information relating to the bankruptcy plan and how it may affect consumers who were harmed by Johnson & Johnson’s products, by Aug. 11, 2021.
