Proposition 65 (California)
RegulatoryAlso known as: Prop 65, California Prop 65, Safe Drinking Water Act
California law requiring warnings for products containing chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive harm.
What It Means
California Proposition 65 (1986) requires businesses to provide clear warnings before exposing individuals to chemicals on the Prop 65 list. For supplements, this primarily affects heavy metals (lead, cadmium) and certain botanical compounds. Prop 65 safe harbor levels are often stricter than FDA limits. Products sold in California without proper warnings face lawsuits from private enforcers (bounty hunter litigation).
What It Is Not
A Prop 65 warning does NOT mean a product is unsafe — it means the product contains a listed chemical above the safe harbor level OR the manufacturer chose to add a warning rather than test. Many perfectly safe products carry Prop 65 warnings as a precaution. Conversely, absence of a warning is not proof of safety.
Evidence and References
- regulationOEHHA Prop 65 safe harbor levels
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