You’ll Never Use Listerine Again After Hearing This Explosive Claim!

In a recent legal battle, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. and Kenvue Inc., the makers of Listerine mouthwash, face allegations that their product could be linked to cancer risks. A class action lawsuit filed on September 3 in a California federal court accuses the companies of failing to disclose critical health concerns associated with their popular mouthwash.

The Allegations: Health Risks Hidden from Consumers

Paige Vasseur, the plaintiff behind the lawsuit, claims that Listerine Cool Mint Antiseptic Mouthwash misleads consumers by not warning about potential health dangers. Specifically, the lawsuit alleges that prolonged use of the product can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria such as Streptococcus anginosus and Fusobacterium nucleatum, which are linked to oral, colorectal, pancreatic, and breast cancers.

“Nowhere on the product’s packaging or labeling do Defendants disclose that the product leads to the proliferation of cancer-causing bacteria,” the complaint states.

Despite these alleged risks, Listerine is marketed as a product that “kills 99% of germs that cause bad breath, plaque & gingivitis” and promotes “a fresher and cleaner mouth than brushing alone.” The marketing, according to Vasseur, paints a misleading picture of safety and effectiveness.

Trust in Manufacturers Betrayed?

Vasseur, who has been using Listerine since 2019, argues she would not have purchased the mouthwash had she known about these alleged risks. She also points out that the product’s usage instructions, including a recommendation to rinse twice daily for 30 seconds, fail to address long-term health implications.

“Consumers trust manufacturers to sell products that are safe and free from harmful side effects,” Vasseur’s complaint asserts.

The lawsuit aims to represent all U.S. residents who purchased Listerine. It seeks damages for violations of California’s consumer protection laws, including the Unfair Competition Law and False Advertising Law, as well as claims of fraudulent concealment and unjust enrichment.

Broader Context: Product Safety Under Scrutiny

This case follows broader industry concerns about the safety of mouthwash products. Earlier this year, Nutraceutical Corporation recalled over 102,000 bottles of its Heritage Store Hydrogen Peroxide mouthwash due to inadequate child-resistant packaging. While unrelated to cancer risks, the recall highlights growing scrutiny over product safety and transparency in the oral care market.

What’s Next for Johnson & Johnson?

Vasseur’s lawsuit requests certification as a class action, damages, fees, costs, and a jury trial. If successful, the case could have significant implications for the oral care industry and how companies communicate potential risks to consumers.

The lawsuit, titled Paige Vasseur v. Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. et al., is being handled by attorneys Trenton R. Kashima of Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman PLLC and Jonathan Shub of Shub & Johns LLC. It is filed under Case No. 2:24-cv-07487 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.

We Want to Hear from You

Do you believe Listerine’s health risks should have been disclosed? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

This lawsuit raises essential questions about consumer trust and corporate responsibility. As the case unfolds, it could reshape how health risks are communicated to the public, urging companies to prioritize transparency over profits.