Best Approach to Prop 65 Mitigation For Supplements?

Selling supplements in California means facing Proposition 65, a law that requires warning labels if products expose consumers to certain chemicals above specific thresholds. For supplements, the most common concerns are heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and arsenic.

Prop 65 compliance is complex because lawsuits can be filed by private firms even if violations are unintentional. Settlements can be costly, and many natural retailers won’t stock products that carry warning labels. Mitigation is not optional—it’s a must for long-term growth.

At Blue Ocean Regulatory, we help brands navigate Prop 65 by building a strategy tailored to their products. We evaluate formulations, testing data, advise when warnings are necessary, and provide guidance on proper label placement, as well as help with corrective actions to address the culprit ingredient(s). In many cases, we work with the manufacturers to lower contaminant levels through tighter sourcing and specifications, eliminating the need for warnings.

A vegan protein powder brand we worked with faced elevated lead levels that risked triggering Prop 65 lawsuits. Through supplier audits and adjustments to their specifications and formula, we reduced exposure levels and eliminated the need for a warning label. This allowed them to enter California retail without restrictions.

For brands targeting California, the best approach is proactive Prop 65 management. It protects your business from lawsuits and positions your products for wider distribution.