Johnson & Johnson to Pay $700 Million Settlement Over Talc Powder

The District of Columbia has reached a final consent judgment with Johnson & Johnson, resolving allegations it misled consumers about the safety of some talcum powder products in a significant legal settlement.

Under the the consent judgment, the company will pay $700 million to 47 states involved in a multistate working group without admitting wrongdoing or liability. Both parties agreed to the judgment to avoid the expense and uncertainty of litigation.

The company will pay in four annual installments beginning July 30. The judgment is still pending judicial approval.

The company agreed to permanently stop manufacturing, marketing, promoting, selling, and distributing talcum powder products in the United States. Products covered under the judgment include Johnson’s Baby Powder and Johnson & Johnson’s Shower to Shower.

Erik Hass, the company’s worldwide vice president of litigation, said in a media statement that Johnson & Johnson continues to pursue several paths to a final resolution of the talc litigation.

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