Johnson and Johnson Baby Shampoo and Other Baby Products Reformulated

Johnson and Johnson, one of the largest companies in the world that manufacture baby products took a huge turn when it agreed to subject all its products to a series of laboratory tests four years ago. The test was done by a nonprofit organization called Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. According to reports, the tests showed that the baby products had ample amounts of the chemical formaldehyde, a substance that is considered cancerous.

Due to the unforeseen result, Johnson and Johnson promised that they would eliminate formaldehyde, parabens, triciosan and phthalates from all of their baby products. This step led to significant modifications in their production procedures and most specifically in the formulation of their products.

30,000 signatures

Last February, in a small gathering of Johnson and Johnson executives, the Environmental Working Group presented a scroll with 30,000 signatures of consumers. J&J executives were surprised when they realized that the signatures did not signify a protest or a complaint. Instead, the document was a means of saying thank you. The consumers, after learning about J&J’s campaign and oath to take down some chemicals in their baby products most specifically their baby shampoo, determined that it was only proper to inform the executives of their immense gratitude for the measures that they have taken.

Environmental Working Group’s representative, Scott Faber recently released a very important statement regarding companies producing baby products. According to Faber, these companies are engaged in an urgent race in phasing out harsh and harmful chemicals used in manufacturing their various products.

Course of action

Johnson and Johnson is not only famous the world over for producing affordable high quality baby shampoo but baby powder as well. According to Samantha Lucas, a corporate spokeswoman of J&J in their Brunswick headquarters, the driving force for the changes in product formulation is their consumers. Since the company values the consumers very much, necessary steps have been made in order to ascertain the safety and welfare of the end-user. Lucas added that the consumers fuel the driving force and initiative of the company.

Health official in India cancelled J&J’s license to operate

In a recent incident, health officers in India put a stop to J&J’s operation in their plant in Mulundu due to an unauthorized procedure in the sterilization of J&J baby powder. Reports revealed that the questionable sterilization processes used the application of ethylene oxide which many believe could cause vomiting, nausea and cancer.

J&J spokeswoman Peggy Ballman stated that they are in the process of resolving the issue. She also added that there were no consumer concerns by far.

Chemicals in other baby products

Reports stated that about 5,000 products being used by children from toys, clothing and other materials contain toxic chemicals that could pose danger to health and harmful side effects. According to Erika Schreder, the Science Director of the Washington Toxics Coalition, there is a still a lack of standards when it comes to the manufacture of children’s products. She also stated that manufacturers are allowed to use virtually anything they want to.

Photo Credit: Johnson and Johnson Baby Shampoo