WARNING: This product may expose you to chemicals, including lead, which is recognized by the State of California as a cause of cancer and reproductive harm. For more details, visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

WARNING: Consuming this product may expose you to chemicals such as lead, which is known to the State of California to cause reproductive harm. For further information, visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

You may notice a label or online notice stating that a product contains a chemical recognized by California to cause cancer or reproductive harm. These warnings are mandated under Proposition 65 (Prop 65), a California law designed to inform residents about potential exposure to specific chemicals. Prop 65 does not ban products containing these substances; it simply requires businesses to provide clear warnings.

A Prop 65-listed carcinogen has been linked to cancer in laboratory studies. Similarly, a substance labeled as a reproductive toxin has been associated with reproductive health concerns, such as developmental issues or fertility effects, often based on high-dose animal testing.

No. These warnings are exclusive to California and are among the strictest regulations of their kind—sometimes exceeding federal safety guidelines.

The Prop 65 list includes over 800 substances, such as pesticides, heavy metals, and even certain vitamins at high levels. Some, like lead, occur naturally in air, water, and soil, meaning trace amounts may be present in food products despite not being intentionally added.

A Prop 65 warning does not necessarily mean a product is unsafe. In many cases, warnings are required even when exposure levels are significantly lower than those linked to harm in scientific studies. For example, reproductive health warnings are triggered at exposure levels 1,000 times lower than the threshold at which animal studies have shown no negative effects.

California updates the Prop 65 list based on research from scientific organizations, regulatory agencies, and laboratory studies. Some chemicals are listed due to findings from animal studies at extremely high exposure levels.

Certain nutrients and naturally occurring compounds fall under Prop 65 regulations. For example, Vitamin A requires a warning above specific levels. Additionally, naturally occurring elements like lead and mercury may be present in trace amounts in some foods and supplements.

There are multiple reasons why similar products may have different labeling. Companies that have been part of Prop 65 legal settlements may be required to display warnings, while others may determine that their products do not require them. Because enforcement can be inconsistent, the absence of a warning does not necessarily mean a product is free of a particular substance.

There are multiple reasons why similar products may have different labeling. Companies that have been part of Prop 65 legal settlements may be required to display warnings, while others may determine that their products do not require them. Because enforcement can be inconsistent, the absence of a warning does not necessarily mean a product is free of a particular substance.

Prop 65 warnings appear in many everyday locations across California, including restaurants, grocery stores, hotels, and schools. Some online and mail-order retailers display these warnings for all customers, regardless of location. If you’re unsure about a particular product, we encourage you to reach out to the manufacturer for more details. Keep in mind that a product without a warning does not necessarily have lower levels of listed chemicals—it may simply be labeled differently.