In December 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed a new rule mandating standardized testing methods to detect asbestos in talc-containing cosmetic products. This initiative aims to protect consumers from potential asbestos exposure, a known carcinogen that can contaminate talc during mining due to their natural co-occurrence. The proposed testing protocols require manufacturers to utilize both Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) techniques to identify any asbestos presence in their products. Alternatively, companies may rely on certificates of analysis from their talc suppliers, provided they verify the reliability of these certificates through regular testing.
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This proposal is part of the FDA’s efforts to implement the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA), which directs the agency to establish standardized testing for asbestos in cosmetic products containing talc. If finalized, the rule would classify talc-containing cosmetics as adulterated under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act if they fail to comply with the testing or recordkeeping requirements, or if asbestos is detected in the products. The FDA is currently seeking public comments on the proposed rule, with the comment period ending 90 days after its publication in the Federal Register.
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