What is the Proposition 65 warning and what does it mean?

If you see a warning on a product label stating “WARNING: Reproductive Harm – www.P65Warnings.ca.gov”, don’t be alarmed. This warning is required to be on certain products sold to the state of California, and warnings like this one are commonly posted throughout California, including restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations, hotels, schools, hospitals and on consumer products.

You may be surprised to find this warning on everyday items like wine, vinegar, alcohol, potato products, nutritional supplements, cleaning products, etc.

Why is this warning specific for California?
In 1986, the State of California enacted the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act, commonly known as Prop 65. California voters approved of this initiative to require businesses to notify California residents of their exposure to chemicals from consumer products, at home and the workplace, and from the environment.

Today, California has incorporated more than 800 chemicals to their growing list of substances “known to the State of California” to cause cancer and/or birth defects or other reproductive harm. Although these chemicals are regulated both federally and internationally for safety, California has set their own standards known to be more stringent than any other regulation.

Why is this warning statement on my product?
Since chemicals, such as lead, are naturally present in small amounts throughout the environment, herbal and botanical ingredients from plants grown in soil are expected to contain very small amounts of this heavy metal. Because of this, we verify that our formulas comply with regulatory standards. California’s lead limit is 20 times less than the federal limit, therefore it is common to see a warning statement on dietary supplements containing botanical ingredients.

Enzymedica® is dedicated to complying with all regulatory standards to provide our customers with the highest quality supplements and encourage vibrant health.