In 2005 As You Sow filed a Product Safety shareholder resolution at J&J calling for a report on the status of J&J’s use of chemicals banned by the European Union (EU) in the company’s products sold to non-EU markets, and the costs and timeframe for global reformulation.

In 2006, As You Sow, its shareholder coalition partners, and health experts met with J&J senior management and later withdrew our resolution based on the company’s continued progress in applying stricter EU standards to its U.S. markets; and its promises to increase transparency through web disclosures. The company also provided written information that outlined its global safety standards, ingredient safety process, approach to phasing out chemicals, and program for supplier compliance with safety standards; and provided additional information on products of specific concern such as coal tar.