A warning from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) about the unsatisfactory product labelling of talcum powder products has been shared by the FDA with regards to the use of the product on children.

The FDA Advisory No. 2018-047 emulated ASEAN advice that talcum powder products ‘must be labeled with a warning that states “keep powder away from children’s nose and mouth’, a move in line with the recent ASEAN Advisory Statement on Talc that was released to try and alleviate consumer fear regarding the product and its link with ovarian cancer.

According to the ASEAN advisory statement, “There have been concerns about a possible link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer. The ASEAN Cosmetic Scientific Body (ACSB) has assessed that the available evidence globally remains inconclusive in establishing such a link to date.
“In this regard, the ACSB has advised that talc is allowed to be used in cosmetic products with the current requirements on the product labelling.”

ASEAN countries are said to be monitoring new safety data regarding the use of talcum powder products on an ongoing basis, according to the advisory statement.