Recall: Dynacare baby powder may contain asbestos, a cancer-causing mineral

WASHINGTON — More than 1,000 cases of baby powder sold in 35 states and on Amazon have been recalled over possible asbestos contamination. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration expanded a recent recall of Dynacare baby powder after finding additional products may be tainted with asbestos. Initially, the recall only included 62 cases of baby powder that were distributed to 12 states.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is often found near talc, an ingredient in many cosmetic products, the FDA said. If talc mining sites are not chosen carefully or if the talc ore is not purified adequately, it could contain asbestos.

The mineral is a known carcinogen, meaning it could potentially cause cancer. No illnesses or adverse events have been linked to the recall yet. 

The 14-ounce and 4-ounce recalled products, packaged in plastic bottles, were sent to distributors on or after Jan 18. 

The baby powders were sent to Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin.

Dynarex Corporation’s initial recall was a result of routine sampling by the FDA, which found asbestos in the finished products. The agency later found more products were possibly tainted because they used the same bulk talc material. 

The manufacturer has stopped distribution of the product as an investigation seeks to find the cause of the contaminated talc. 

Consumers can check to see if they have a recalled product by looking for a lot or batch number on the bottom of the bottle on each case. 

Those with the affected products should stop using the baby powder and return it for a refund. 

• Batch No. B 048: Manufactured on 10/31/2023, expires 10/30/2026 — Baby Powder 14 oz. (397 g)
• Batch No. B 049: Manufactured on 11/01/2023, expires 10/31/2026 — Baby Powder 14 oz. (397 g)
• Batch No. B 050: Manufactured on 11/02/2023, expires 11/01/2026 — Baby Powder 14 oz. (397 g)
• Batch No. B 051: Manufactured on 12/29/2023, expires 12/28/2026 — Baby Powder 14 oz. (397 g)
• Batch No. B 052: Manufactured on 12/30/2023, expires 12/29/2026 — Baby Powder 14 oz. (397 g)

• Batch No. B 053: Manufactured on 01/01/2024, expires 12/31/2026
• Batch No. B 054: Manufactured on 01/03/2024, expires 01/02/2027
• Batch No. B 055: Manufactured on 01/04/2024, expires 01/03/2027
• Batch No. B 056: Manufactured on 01/05/2024, expires 01/04/2027
• Batch No. B 057: Manufactured on 01/06/2024, expires 01/05/2027
• Batch No. B 058: Manufactured on 01/08/2024, expires 01/07/2027
• Batch No. B 059: Manufactured on 01/31/2024, expires 01/30/2027
• Batch No. B 060: Manufactured on 02/01/2024, expires 01/31/2027