A: Consumable products purchased in California may contain the message: “This product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer or reproductive harm.”
This warning is required by Proposition 65, a California law that says products must be labeled if they potentially contain certain chemicals. Many of these chemicals are widely distributed throughout our environment in air, soil and water, making them common in foods, and consequently, some supplements, even if they aren’t intentionally added.
Proposition 65 standards are among the most strict in the country, and far exceed federal standards for safety. For example, Proposition 65 requires warnings for lead at 0.5 mcg per day—a much stricter amount than standards at the federal and international level.
The bottom line is that this warning is simply a precaution, and does not necessarily mean the product is unsafe. Customers are encouraged to reach out to product manufacturers over ingredient concerns related to Proposition 65.
Proposition 65, formally known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, is a California law that requires businesses to provide warnings to consumers about the presence of certain chemicals in their products. These chemicals are known to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity.
Why Does Prop 65 Exist?
The primary goal of Prop 65 is to protect consumers from exposure to harmful chemicals. By requiring businesses to provide warnings, the law aims to empower consumers to make informed choices about the products they purchase.
How Does Prop 65 Work?
Businesses with products sold in California must maintain a list of chemicals that they know or should know are present in their products. If any of these chemicals are on the Proposition 65 list, the business must provide a clear and prominent warning to consumers.
The warning must include:
Benefits of Prop 65 for Consumers
Prop 65 offers several benefits to consumers:
Criticisms of Prop 65
While Prop 65 has had a positive impact on consumer safety, it has also faced criticism. Some critics argue that the law is overly broad and can lead to frivolous lawsuits. Others contend that Prop 65 can hinder economic growth by imposing burdensome compliance costs on businesses.
Conclusion
Proposition 65 is a landmark law that has played a vital role in protecting public health. By requiring businesses to provide warnings about harmful chemicals, the law empowers consumers to make informed choices and reduce their exposure to potential health risks. While there are challenges and criticisms associated with Prop 65, its overall benefits to consumers make it a valuable tool for protecting public health and safety.
Family-Owned Small Business
700 East Birch Street
Brea, CA 92822-0423
Shipping to the US only
custserv@caherbanlife.com
(657) 366-7775
We use cookies to improve your experience on our site. By using our site, you consent to cookies.
Manage your cookie preferences below:
Essential cookies enable basic functions and are necessary for the proper function of the website.
Statistics cookies collect information anonymously. This information helps us understand how visitors use our website.
Google Analytics is a powerful tool that tracks and analyzes website traffic for informed marketing decisions.
Service URL: policies.google.com
Marketing cookies are used to follow visitors to websites. The intention is to show ads that are relevant and engaging to the individual user.
You can find more information about our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy.