Why are the baking mixes labeled for Prop 65?

We’ve all heard of California’s Prop 65 and have seen the warning on many products we purchase.

California’s Prop 65, officially known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, was a ballot initiative voted into state law more than three decades ago. It was created in reaction to the discovery of dangerous pollutants contaminating the California water supply. The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) says Prop 65 “requires businesses to provide warnings to Californians about significant exposures to chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.”

It now extends far beyond drinking water, though. “Businesses” means anyone who sells anything that may cause exposure, above “safe harbor” levels, to a long and growing list of chemicals; California is required to update this list each year. In 1988, when the warning requirements went into effect, the list included 235 chemicals, according to the Los Angeles Times. The list now has about 900 toxins and carcinogens on it. If a product that’s sold in California includes one of those 900 chemicals, it requires the Prop 65 warning label. (article credit: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/what-is-prop-65/)

Certain foods can naturally contain trace amounts of substances on the Prop 65 list. California’s threshold is extremely low, (which is significantly lower than federal safety thresholds) so even naturally occurring heavy metals can trigger the requirement for a warning. Ingredients like cassava (tapioca), chocolate, turmeric, cinnamon and ginger are common examples. (article credit: Chatgpt)

We found this to be interesting.

Why is lead found in foods, vitamins, and minerals?

Widespread in nature and in soil, lead is found in low levels in many foods and dietary supplements. Some Prop 65–listed chemicals are naturally present in plants and animals that are used as food. A perfect is example is a compound known as safrole that is found in basil and black pepper.⁵ Other Prop 65 chemicals are formed when food is cooked or processed, such as acrylamide in coffee or ethanol in alcoholic beverages. Fortified foods, such as those with added vitamin A, have a Prop 65 substance intentionally added.⁶ In addition, the Canadian government has indicated that the most significant dietary sources of lead come from beverages (including beer, wine, tea, and soda), cereal-based foods, and vegetables.⁷ (article credit: https://goop.com/what-is-prop-65/)

Based on guidance we received, if we want to sell in California—or work with retailers who ship to California—we're required to provide the approved Prop 65 warning on our website and on products shipped to CA. Unfortunately, there are attorneys who actively look for noncompliance, so proper labeling is important for protection.