A Los Angeles Superior Court judge has reversed the record-breaking US$417 million damages awarded by a Californian jury against Johnson & Johnson in a baby powder suit in August, and granted the personal care giant’s request for a retrial.

Judge Maren Nelson found that the earlier trial lacked sufficient evidence on both sides, leading to excessive damages.

“Ovarian cancer is a devastating disease – but it is not caused by the cosmetic-grade talc we have used in Johnson’s Baby Powder for decades. The science is clear and we will continue to defend the safety of Johnson’s Baby Powder as we prepare for additional trials in the US,” said Johnson & Johnson spokesperson Carol Goodrich.

Attorney for the plaintiff, Mark Robinson vowed that he would continue to fight for his client and ‘on behalf of all women who have been impacted by this dangerous product.”