The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has published a new proposed rulemaking that adds the standardized testing of cosmetic products containing talc for asbestos - a known harmful contaminant. The proposed rule aims at enhancing consumer safety by adding better quality controls to the cosmetic products containing talc.

Key TakeawayReason for the Rule:

• Asbestos is known to be a human carcinogen, and there is no established "safe level" of exposure to it.

• The presence of asbestos in talc-containing cosmetics has resulted in high risks of severe health complications, such as lung and ovarian cancers.

• Once the proposed rule is finalized, the strict testing methods would ensure that the number of illnesses caused by exposure decreases.

Testing Requirements:

• Testing shall be conducted on each batch sample of talc-based cosmetic products by the manufacturer.

• Testing procedures include polarized light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.

• Failure to follow such testing and record-keeping provisions can render the product "adulterated" under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

Lawsuits Filed Against Johnson & Johnson:

• This class action follows more than 62,000 plaintiffs' lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson where it is alleged that asbestos was present in the company's talc products which resulted in ovarian and other cancers.

• Johnson & Johnson has denied these claims and insists that its products are safe. The company is seeking a settlement of about $10 billion in bankruptcy court.

Future Steps:

• The FDA has opened a 90-day comment period for public and industry feedback before finalizing the rule.

It looks at providing an assurance that consumer safety will be placed above other concerns by addressing a severe health issue concerning cosmetic products. If it is implemented, the standardized testing rule would improve consumer confidence while reducing the risk of exposure to asbestos in talc products.