Furthermore, a class action lawsuit accuses Johnson and Johnson of failing to warn Listerine users of potential cancer risks linked to its product, according to Mail Online.
In early September, Paige Vasseur spearheaded a class action lawsuit against Johnson and Johnson in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. Vasseur, who regularly used Listerine Cool Mint from 2019 to February 2024, decided to take legal action after study results linked the product to elevated levels of harmful bacteria.
Notably, research from the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp, Belgium, plays a critical role in the lawsuit. Specifically, the study found that using Listerine Cool Mint daily for three months increased the prevalence of Fusobacterium nucleatum and Streptococcus anginosus—bacteria associated with throat and colon cancers.
Health Professionals Raise Alarms Over Mouthwash's Impact
The findings of this study have, unsurprisingly, captured the attention of various health experts, including Dr. Karen Saghiyan. In particular, Saghiyan expressed deep concern about the results, given their implications for increased cancer risk among habitual mouthwash users.
"Earlier this year, I read about... fusobacterium species in the oral cavity being associated with an increase in tumors of individuals with colorectal cancer. I found it to be extremely interesting because Fusobacterium is an oral bacteria, and why in the world would it be inside somebody's colon?" noted Dr. Saghiyan.
The lawsuit demands that Johnson and Johnson update its product labeling to include warnings about potential cancer risks and seeks compensation for those misled by the company's previous safety assurances.
Lawsuit Demands Transparency and Compensation
Vasseur's legal complaint argues that, had she and others been properly informed about the risks, they would not have purchased or used Listerine Cool Mint. Consequently, the litigation highlights the importance of transparency regarding the product’s safety and its potential impact on long-term health.
Additionally, court documents reveal that the lawsuit spans 35 pages, detailing how the company allegedly neglected to communicate the risks associated with long-term mouthwash use.
In response, Johnson and Johnson have publicly countered these allegations, asserting Listerine’s safety and efficacy when used as directed. Furthermore, a spokesperson for Kenvue, previously part of Johnson and Johnson, reiterated this position, citing extensive testing and the lack of current evidence suggesting any carcinogenic effect.
Company Defends Listerine's Safety Amid Legal Challenge
"A century's worth of studies on Listerine’s impact on oral health have appeared in hundreds of peer-reviewed publications, making it one of the world’s most extensively tested mouthwash brands," a Kenvue spokesperson stated. "We continuously evaluate the latest science and monitor safety signals to assess the benefit-risk profile of our products," they continued.
"Listerine is safe when used as directed on the label, and there is no evidence that Listerine causes cancer," the spokeswoman added in defense of the brand's reputation.
This legal dispute highlights the often complex relationship between commonly used healthcare products and their long-term health implications, sparking a discussion on manufacturers' responsibilities to fully inform consumers about product safety.
