Shanghai’s food and drug safety agency said it is testing Johnson & Johnson baby products following allegations they contain potential carcinogens, AP reported. The products were listed in a report issued March 12 by the US-based health and environmental activist group Campaign for Safe Cosmetics as containing formaldehyde and/or 1,4-dioxane. Johnson & Johnson said the chemical are used to prevent bacterial growth and make their products safe for children. According to the US FDA, 1,4-dioxane can form as a byproduct during manufacturing of some cosmetics. The compound, a suspected carcinogen, is used as a solvent for paints, varnishes, cleaning and detergent preparations and as a solvent stabilizer and corrosion inhibitor. Formaldehyde, a preservative commonly found in construction materials, is classified as a carcinogen. A Shanghai-based supermarket chain, Nong Gong Shang, pulled Johnson & Johnson Baby Shampoo from its shelves earlier this week in reaction to the report.
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