If you live in California and buy supplements or many other products there, you’ve probably noticed the Prop 65 warning labels everywhere. These labels often worry consumers about the safety of the products they’re buying, even though these products already meet or exceed safety regulations required for legal sale.
Understanding Prop 65 can be challenging due to its complexity and frequent updates. Prop 65, formally known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act passed in 1986, aims to protect public health by identifying chemicals that could cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm. Businesses must warn consumers if their products contain any of the over 900 chemicals listed, regardless of the actual risk posed.
The list includes a wide range of substances, both natural and synthetic. Prop 65 sets very low “Safe Harbor” exposure levels, often much stricter than federal standards set by organizations like the FDA and EPA. For example, the allowable lead levels under Prop 65 are significantly lower than federal limits, despite naturally occurring higher levels in common foods.
Inner Armour products meet or exceed federal safety standards and Prop 65 limits. While some supplements might not display a Prop 65 warning label because they fall below the Safe Harbor limits, Inner Armour opts to include the label to comply with California law and avoid legal challenges.
Despite its intentions to protect public health, Prop 65 has been criticized for its strict requirements, which can be costly and confusing for businesses. Inner Armour emphasizes its commitment to quality and safety, ensuring products are made in GMP Certified facilities with rigorous testing for contaminants like lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic.
For more details on Prop 65, visit www.P65warnings.ca.gov.