California’s Proposition 65 (Prop 65) requires businesses to inform California residents about exposures to dangerous chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Companies conducting business in California must provide a clear and reasonable warning to consumers about exposures to the over 900 chemicals on Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment’s (OEHHA) list, unless the exposures do not exceed established threshold levels.
Proteins, botanicals and many minerals contain heavy metals that exceed Prop 65 limits. Many plants absorb heavy metals from the soil in which they are grown, including those used in dietary supplements. For example, Prop 65 sets a safe harbor limit of 0.5 mcg of lead per serving, but this limit is far below the amount of lead naturally found in fruits and vegetables.
Thus, many supplement brands must warn consumers prior to exposure.
An upcoming webinar from the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) will provide an overview of the clear and reasonable warning regulation, including recent changes and amendments.
Presenters for “CA Prop 65: Regulatory, Compliance and Litigation Developments," July 25, 2017, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Eastern, include Anthony J. Cortez, shareholder, Greenberg Traurig LLP; Carol Monahan-Cummings, chief counsel, OEHHA; Judith M. Praitis, partner, Sidley Austin LLP; and Merle Zimmermann, Ph.D., chief information analyst, AHPA. The cost is $199 for AHPA members and $300 for non-members.