The FDA has proposed new tests to detect asbestos in cosmetics and other products containing talc.

Under a proposal announced by the US Food and Drug Administration, manufacturers of cosmetic products made from baby powder and talc must be exposed to asbestos. So they have to be checked.

The agency’s proposal follows a directive from Congress, which passed legislation last year requiring the FDA to take action. A known human carcinogen, asbestos is found in the same rock types as talc deposits and can be mixed in mining processes, potentially leading to contaminated products and risks to the public. raise concerns about

FDA recommends. Governance Manufacturers will be required to test samples of talc-containing cosmetic products for asbestos with methods including polarized light and transmission electron microscopy, which illuminates the samples with an electron beam. Alternatively, companies can rely on certificates of analysis from their telco suppliers, the agency said.

“We believe the proposed testing techniques are adequate methods for asbestos detection to ensure the safety of cosmetic products containing talc,” said Linda Katz, a medical doctor and director of the FDA’s Office of Cosmetics and Colors. The director said in a news release on Thursday. release Notice of agency action.

The agency’s proposed rule falls short of a ban on talc, whose supporters, including the U.S. Public Interest Research Group, or PIRG, called for.

A long-running lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson alleges that the company’s talc baby caused women to develop ovarian cancer. Company in June Agreed to pay $700 million to settle allegations that it misled the public about the safety of talcum-based powder products in its marketing.

The J&J subsidiary has proposed paying about $8 billion to settle tens of thousands of lawsuits. As part of the deal, the subsidiary will declare bankruptcy, although that proposal has been challenged in court by the Justice Department.

J&J removed. Talc-based powders from the market In North America In 2020 And then internationally in 2023.

The company says it stands by the safety of its products.

In 2019, the F.D.A Asbestos was found In cosmetics sold through Claire’s stores, the retailer and Beauty Plus Global indicated a recall. More recently, Dynarex of New Jersey in late October Raised a memory Dinecare baby powder was shipped to 35 states and sold on Amazon because of possible asbestos contamination.

Associated Press

Contributed to this report.