- New Mexico AG Hector Balderas, following the footsteps of a number of private lawsuits, has sued talcum powder manufacturer Johnson & Johnson and related companies (collectively “J&J”) for allegedly misleading consumers about the safety of talcum powder in violation of New Mexico’s Unfair Practices Act, Medicare Fraud Act, and Fraud Against Taxpayers Act.
- The complaint alleges, among other things, that J&J wrongfully marketed, sold and promoted its talcum products to consumers and healthcare providers as safe even though it had known for decades that these products contained asbestos and that asbestos was a carcinogen.
- The complaint seeks declaratory and injunctive relief, as well as restitution, punitive damages, and civil penalties.