The Ministry of Health said on Wednesday that it is closely following concerns over Johnson & Johnson Baby Oil and related products after health scares in India.

On March 17, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Commission in western India requested the New Jersey-based personal hygiene giant to drop the "baby" tag from its oil, shampoo and lotion, claiming they contain ingredients harmful to infants.

In response to a consumer complaint, the Indian authorities tested the products and found that they contained light liquid paraffin oil that was not mentioned on the label. The company said that it had tested the products on people in the age group 18 to 51 years.

China's Ministry of Health spokesman Mao Qun'an said the ministry had requested information from the company about its products, including details of raw materials used and the process of quality control, and had received a statement in response.

"We will study the papers first and then decide what to do next. If necessary, the ministry will organize experts to do some further research and investigation," said Mao.

Zhang Jianmin, director of Johnson & Johnson's (China) public affairs department, said that only the oils permitted by its US headquarters are used in its products.

"We are using a pure grade of mineral oil, which meets J & J's worldwide specifications and has been clinically proven to be mild, gentle and safe for babies," said Zhang.

Zhang explained that the mineral oil is extracted from paraffin oil, but conforms to the cosmetics hygiene regulation issued by the health ministry. He said the company's operations in India are studying the notice from local health authorities and will respond within the mandated 15-day period.

According to a statement issued by J & J, the company manufactures products like baby powder and baby soap in accordance with local standards. In the absence of such standards, as is the case with baby oil and lotion, production "meets Johnson & Johnson's own stringent global standards."

Paraffin oil is a white, odorless, waxy substance distilled from petroleum. Refined paraffin oil is often used in skin-care products, but has not been proved safe for use on infants. Some physicians believe it can block babies' pores, causing rashes and other problems.

Johnson & Johnson is one of the world's largest manufacturers of consumer healthcare products. It has been selling its baby oil for about 50 years.

J&J baby products are popular in the Chinese market, and sales have not so far been affected. The Chinese arm of the company has not recalled its products nor have retailers pulled them from the shelves.

(China Daily, China.org.cn March 24, 2005)