California Prop 65

WARNING: Consuming this product can expose you to lead, arsenic, and cadmium which are known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.  For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/food.

The Proposition 65 warning label on organic products from California is required by the state’s Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, commonly known as Proposition 65. This law mandates businesses to inform Californians about significant exposures to chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. Here's why it may appear on organic products:

1. Naturally Occurring Substances

Some organic products, like rice, nuts, and leafy greens, can naturally absorb chemicals such as arsenic or lead from the soil, water, or air. These substances might be present even in organic farming due to environmental contamination.

2. Strict Regulatory Standards

Proposition 65 has some of the most stringent thresholds for chemical exposure in the world, often much lower than federal or international standards. Even trace amounts of naturally occurring substances may require the label, regardless of whether the product poses a significant health risk.

3. Preventative Compliance

Big Green Organic Food placed a Proposition 65 label on their products to avoid legal liabilities, even if the chemical levels are below the required threshold. This is especially common for products sold in California, where lawsuits related to Proposition 65 violations are prevalent.

4. Transparency Requirements

The label does not mean the product is unsafe or does not meet organic standards. It simply ensures transparency and compliance with California law, alerting consumers to the potential presence of listed chemicals.