A jury has ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $417 million (353 million Euro) to a Californian resident who sued the giant claiming its talcum powder, Johnsons Baby Powder, causes ovarian cancer when applied regularly to the genital area of women.

Eva Echeverria, 63,  also claimed the company failed in its duty of care when it did not warn consumers of the potential risks.

johnsons baby Powder - caused cancer
Johnsons Baby Powder

Previously, the company also lost a case in St Louis, Missouri, when it was ordered to pay $110.5 million to a woman diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2012.

Ms. Echeverria claimed to have used Johnsons Baby Powder since the 1950’s and was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2007. Despite treatment and surgery, her lawyer said she is near death and was unable to attend the trial.

A spokesperson for the company, Carol Goodrich, said they will appeal the finding.  This award is the largest yet against the company which has lost several cases so far. Even in California alone, there are over 300 cases pending and 4,500 pending in the rest of America.

Last year, the company earned a profit of $16.5 billion.