No sign of asbestos in Johnson’s Baby Powder in Thailand: FDA
Johnson’s Baby Powder in Thailand is not contaminated even though the manufacturer, Johnson and Johnson, recalled the product in the US, Supattra Boonserm, vice secretary-general of Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA), said on October 18.
Last week, the US FDA had warned consumers that 0.00002 per cent of asbestos was found in a sample product selling online, prompting the company to recall the products immediately.
“The Johnson and Johnson product being distributed in Thailand has been checked by the FDA and found to be safe,” Supattra said.
Talcum powder is normally made of talc, a clay mineral, in powdered form and is often combined with corn starch. According to safety standards, it should have no asbestos or other harmful substances.
“Talcum is used in many cosmetics, such as face powder, and usually sold with a caution to users,” she added.
The FDA official also said that her agency has always been on the lookout for asbestos contamination since 2009.
“So far, we have collected 113 samples of talcum powder to test and have found no contamination at all,” she said. “The FDA is also strictly monitoring all imports of talcum powder, especially baby powder.”