Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder Case Grows to 7,111 Claimants in UK High Court

A group legal action against Johnson & Johnson over its talc-based baby powder opened in the UK High Court on Wednesday, with the number of claimants rising from 3,000 to 7,111, according to BBC News . Lawyers representing the claimants, led by KP Law, told the court the case could become the largest product liability claim in UK legal history. The firm argued that urgency is critical, stating that “one claimant is dying every three days,” underscoring the human impact behind the litigation. The case, originally filed in October 2025, centers on allegations that long-term use of Johnson & John

A group legal action against Johnson & Johnson over its talc-based baby powder opened in the UK High Court on Wednesday, with the number of claimants rising from 3,000 to 7,111, according to BBC News.

Lawyers representing the claimants, led by KP Law, told the court the case could become the largest product liability claim in UK legal history. The firm argued that urgency is critical, stating that “one claimant is dying every three days,” underscoring the human impact behind the litigation.

The case, originally filed in October 2025, centers on allegations that long-term use of Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based baby powder exposed consumers to asbestos, a known carcinogen linked to diseases including mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. The claims argue that the company failed to adequately warn users about potential risks.

One claimant, Margaret Manion, 73, signed up to the case in late 2024 after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer in April 2024. She died in November 2025. Her partner of 30 years, Tony Bowden, 77, described her diagnosis as a “bombshell.” KP Law noted that Manion had used the talc product daily from childhood.

Margaret Manion signed up to the claim late in 2024 but died from ovarian cancer in November 2025. /BBC

Johnson & Johnson has strongly denied the allegations. In a statement presented in court, the company said its products are “compliant with any required regulatory standards, did not contain asbestos, and do not cause cancer.” Its legal team also argued that the information requests made in the case are “reasonable and fair,” and not intended to be oppressive or to hinder the progression of claims.

The hearing is expected to conclude on Thursday, with a judgment to be delivered at a later date.

The UK case forms part of a broader global wave of litigation, particularly in the United States, where tens of thousands of lawsuits have been filed. In one of the most prominent cases, a Missouri jury awarded billions of dollars to plaintiffs who claimed the company’s talc products contributed to ovarian cancer, though Johnson & Johnson has continued to challenge such rulings through the appeals process.

Johnson & Johnson announced in 2023 that it would discontinue the global sale of talc-based baby powder, transitioning instead to a cornstarch-based formulation, citing a portfolio review and shifting consumer demand.

As proceedings continue in London, the case is being closely watched for its potential to reshape the scale and scope of product liability claims in the UK.