Feds step in to investigate cancer risks of Baby Powder

Feds step in to investigate cancer risks of Baby Powder: Justice Department subpoenas Johnson & Johnson after leaked documents suggested talc WAS tainted with asbestos - and execs KNEW 13,000 people are suing the firm claiming talc gave them cancer According to a Reuters investigation, new papers show J&J staff from 1971 to 2000 knew that the powders sometimes tested positive for asbestos The earliest mentions of tainted J&J talc that Reuters found come from 1957 and 1958 reports by a consulting lab The damning report sent shares plummeting 8% on Friday, putting J&J on track to have its worst day in a decade The worst thus far was October 9, 2008, when J&J closed down 7.67%

By Reuters and Mia De Graaf Health Editor For Dailymail.com

Published: 20:10 GMT, 22 February 2019 | Updated: 20:10 GMT, 22 February 2019

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The Justice Department has issued subpoenas to Johnson & Johnson as it ramps up its investigation into claims the brand's Baby Powder has been tainted with asbestos.

The company was forced to disclose the development in its annual report on Wednesday - marking the first admission that it is being actively investigated by federal agencies.

A spokesman said J&J intends to 'cooperate fully with these inquiries and will continue to defend the Company in the talc-related litigation.'

The Justice Department declined to comment and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

J&J was forced to disclose the development in its annual report on Wednesday - marking the first admission that it is being actively investigated by federal agencies

A Reuters report on December 14 revealed that Johnson & Johnson knew for decades that small amounts of asbestos, a known carcinogen, had been occasionally found in its talc and powder products, according to tests