California Proposition 65
Understanding California Proposition 65 and Product Labeling
The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, commonly known as Proposition 65, was enacted through California’s public referendum process. This law requires businesses to provide a “clear and reasonable” warning if a product may expose individuals to certain chemicals that the State of California has identified as potential causes of cancer and/or reproductive harm. The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) administers Proposition 65, and more information about this law can be found on the OEHHA website.
It is important to note that Proposition 65 is not a product safety law—it does not ban or restrict products based on specific chemical levels. Instead, it is a “right-to-know” law that mandates warning labels for over 900 substances, often at levels that may be more stringent than those set by other regulatory agencies.
Why Did My Product Arrive with a Warning Label?
Many plants naturally absorb trace amounts of elemental metals such as arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead from the soil in which they grow. These elements are present in everyday foods, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and spices. While various regulatory agencies have established guidance for acceptable intake levels, California’s Proposition 65 sets particularly low thresholds for requiring warning labels.
To comply with this law, we include a California Proposition 65 warning label on certain products. This label does not necessarily indicate that the product is unsafe, but rather that it falls under the broad labeling requirements of Proposition 65. Similar warnings appear on a variety of common consumer goods in California, including herbs, dietary supplements, cookware, and even fresh produce.
Does This Mean the Product Is Unsafe?
The presence of a Proposition 65 warning does not automatically mean that a product poses a risk. Proposition 65 establishes warning requirements based on exposure limits that may be well below levels associated with potential health effects. These substances are often present due to natural environmental factors, and their inclusion in a product does not necessarily indicate contamination or a safety concern.
At Flatiron Pepper Co, we prioritize transparency and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. If you have any questions about Proposition 65 or product labeling, we encourage you to review information provided by OEHHA or reach out to our customer service team for further clarification.
California Prop 65 WARNING: Consuming this product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/food.
If you have any questions, comments, or simply would like to chat about the quality of our products, please email us at Mouthburn@flatironpepper.com or call us at (720) 432-5139.