The Background of the Amazing Grass Lead Lawsuit
In September 2019, the California Attorney General's office reached a settlement with Amazing Grass (Grass Advantage) regarding allegations of violating Proposition 65. The company, known for its organic supplements, was accused of selling products with excessive lead and cadmium without the required warnings. The lawsuit also included claims of false advertising, specifically stating products could detoxify from heavy metals despite allegedly containing them. Proposition 65 mandates warnings for chemicals known to cause health issues, like lead, which can have serious effects, especially on vulnerable populations.
The Details of the 2019 Settlement
The settlement included a payment of $213,167 in civil penalties by Amazing Grass. The company was required to discontinue seven specific products found to have high lead levels. Furthermore, Amazing Grass agreed to have an independent auditor for at least three years to help reduce lead levels and improve quality control measures, including routine product testing. Proper warning labels are also required for any products exceeding Proposition 65 lead limits.
Why Heavy Metals Appear in Plant-Based Products
The lawsuit highlighted that heavy metals like lead can be present in plant-based supplements. This is often because plants absorb these naturally occurring elements from the soil, or potentially from pesticides or fertilizers. The case underscored the importance of thorough testing and quality control in the supplement industry to keep these levels low and ensure accurate product information.
Actions and Aftermath for Amazing Grass
Following the settlement, Amazing Grass took steps to comply, including stopping sales of certain products and implementing new testing and auditing. The company also issued statements assuring customers of their efforts to reduce lead levels and the safety of their products. Notably, an Amazon Q&A response from the company stated that the voluntary settlement did not involve any admission of guilt or a finding that products violated safety laws.
Comparison of Pre- and Post-Settlement Requirements
| Aspect | Before the Settlement | After the Settlement |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy Metal Levels | Allegedly exceeded Prop 65 limits | Steps required to reduce lead levels |
| Warning Labels | None provided for excessive lead exposure | Mandatory warnings for products above threshold |
| Product Availability | All listed products sold in California | Seven specific high-lead products discontinued |
| Product Testing | Inadequate for Prop 65 compliance | Routine product testing required for 3+ years |
| Quality Control | Not meeting Prop 65 standards | Mandated food quality auditor and controls |
| Penalties | None paid until settlement | $213,167 penalty paid to California AG |
Conclusion
The Amazing Grass lead lawsuit illustrates the legal challenges supplement companies face regarding heavy metal contamination, especially under regulations like California's Proposition 65. The case highlighted the need for clear labeling and strong quality control to protect consumers. For consumers, it reinforces the value of regulatory oversight and independent testing in the supplement market. The voluntary settlement led to changes in Amazing Grass's practices to align with California law, though it did not include an admission of wrongdoing. For official information, please refer to the {Link: California Attorney General's press release https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-becerra-announces-settlement-against-newport-beach-company}.
