Hawaii Could Get $5M From Johnson & Johnson Settlement
It’s intended to resolve allegations related to the marketing of products that contain talc.
A state agency on Wednesday announced the details of a $700 million nationwide settlement with a major American manufacturer.
The Office of Consumer Protection, part of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, said Hawaii will receive more than $5 million from the settlement.
If approved by courts, the money will be paid out over three years. The settlement was reached by 42 attorneys general, including Hawaii’s.
Texas, Florida and North Carolina led the multistate settlement.
The consent judgment, according to a press release, addresses allegations that Johnson & Johnson “deceptively promoted and misled consumers” in advertisements related to “the safety and purity” of some of its talcum powder products.
As part of the lawsuit, Johnson & Johnson agreed to stop the manufacture and sale of its baby powder and body powder products in the U.S. that contain talc.
Numerous other lawsuits filed by private plaintiffs in class action cases have raised allegations that talc causes serious health issues including mesothelioma and ovarian cancer.
“This judgment ensures that these potentially harmful products are permanently removed from the U.S. market, marking a major victory for public health and consumer safety,” said Mana Moriarty, executive director of the Office of Consumer Protection. “This is a crucial step forward in protecting consumers from deceptive marketing practices.”
