Maharashtra FDA issues notice to J&J

Maharashtra Food and Drug Authority (FDA) has issued notice to Johnson and Johnson (J&J), asking the company to remove the word `baby' from several products meant for infants terming it as "misleading."

"The company was issued notice yesterday for "misleading" use of the word baby on the labels of its products as chemicals used in the products were in no way different from those used in cosmetic products," FDA commissioner A Ramakrishnan said.

"In fact, some of the carcinogenic matter in the products can cause reaction in babies," he said, and added that promotion of such products as those meant for babies was misleading.

He said at least six products, including baby shampoo and baby oil, came under the FDA scanner following complaints. The official, however, added that baby soap did not have any harmful chemical in it.

He said the company has been given 15 days to file its reply.

Ramakrishnan said the use of liquid paraffin in baby oil violates section 17 C (c) of the Drugs and Cosmetic Act (1940) amounting to misbranding and misleading labelling.

Maharashtra FDA has also sent directions to all the other state FDAs and a letter to Drug Controller General of India on the issue.