Recent Recalls and Public Health Alerts
Staying up-to-date on product recalls is crucial for consumer safety, especially with dietary supplements like protein powder. While some incidents are official government-issued recalls, others are public health warnings based on independent investigations. Knowing what protein powder got recalled recently or identified as potentially contaminated can help you make informed decisions.
Orgain Recalls: Undeclared Allergens
Orgain, a California-based company, has initiated multiple voluntary recalls concerning undeclared allergens. In a December 2024 alert, the company recalled a specific batch of its 30g Plant Protein Complete Protein Powder – Chocolate 2.01lb. The recall was prompted by a customer report of an allergic reaction to peanuts, with subsequent testing revealing the potential for undeclared peanut residue. Affected products had the lot code 4172-02-P and an expiration date of 06/20/26.
Prior to this, in October 2023, Orgain also recalled a limited production run of its Organic Protein Powder + Superfoods, Creamy Chocolate Fudge for undeclared sesame. These recalls underscore the serious risks that undeclared allergens pose to sensitive individuals, potentially causing life-threatening anaphylactic reactions.
Decathlon Recall: Foreign Contaminants
In early 2025, the brand Decathlon, in coordination with the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (Afsca), recalled a specific batch of its Single Whey Protein Choco 30 G in Europe. The reason for the recall was the potential presence of metal particles in the powder. The affected products were from batch code 2429700006, with a best-before date of February 2026. This incident highlights how manufacturing errors can also lead to product recalls, emphasizing the importance of quality control throughout the production process.
Investigations Reveal Widespread Heavy Metal Contamination
Beyond official recalls, independent consumer reports have consistently raised concerns about heavy metal contamination in protein powders, an issue that seems to be worsening over time. These are not government-ordered recalls but serious warnings based on laboratory testing.
Consumer Reports Findings (October 2025)
A recent Consumer Reports investigation, published in October 2025, revealed that over two-thirds of the protein powders and ready-to-drink shakes they tested contained concerning levels of lead. Some products exceeded Consumer Reports' daily safety thresholds by more than tenfold. Experts from the organization provided specific advice for consumers regarding certain products:
- Products to Avoid: Naked Nutrition Vegan Mass Gainer, Huel Black Edition.
- Limit to Once Per Week: Garden of Life Sport Organic Plant-Based Protein, Momentous 100% Plant Protein.
- Okay Occasionally: MuscleMeds Carnivor Mass, Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass, Vega Premium Sport Plant-Based Protein, and Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder, among others.
Additionally, high levels of cadmium were found in Huel Black Edition and Vega Premium Sport, while inorganic arsenic was detected in Optimum Nutrition's Serious Mass.
Clean Label Project Findings (January 2025)
The nonprofit organization Clean Label Project also released a 2025 report outlining its findings on heavy metals in protein powders. Their investigation found:
- Higher heavy metal burdens in plant-based protein powders compared to whey.
- Organic protein powders had higher levels of lead and cadmium on average than non-organic ones, likely due to soil absorption.
- Chocolate-flavored powders contained significantly higher levels of lead and cadmium than vanilla.
Why Are Proteins Recalled or Contaminated?
Protein powder issues can stem from multiple factors, often falling into two categories: intentional and unintentional contamination.
- Undeclared Ingredients: This is often the cause for allergen-related recalls. Cross-contamination during manufacturing, or errors in sourcing ingredients, can lead to undeclared allergens entering a product.
- Heavy Metal Absorption: Plant-based protein sources, like those from peas or hemp, are grown in soil and can naturally absorb heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and arsenic. Decades of industrial pollution have increased the presence of these metals in soil globally.
- Manufacturing Contamination: Physical contaminants, such as the metal particles found in the Decathlon recall, can enter the product during processing.
- Unsafe Dosage: A rare but serious issue, as seen in a 2023 UK recall, involves products containing dangerously high levels of certain ingredients, like caffeine.
How to Check Your Protein Powder's Safety
Because the FDA doesn't test supplements before they are sold, consumers must take proactive steps to ensure their product's safety.
- Check the FDA Website: Always review the FDA's website for the latest recall information. For instance, the December 2024 Orgain recall was announced by the FDA.
- Verify Certifications: Look for products that are voluntarily third-party tested and certified. Reputable certifications include NSF Certified for Sport or Informed-Sport. NSF tests for label accuracy and ensures products are free from unsafe levels of heavy metals and banned substances.
- Consult Independent Reports: Review studies from trusted sources like Consumer Reports and Clean Label Project. These organizations provide valuable, independent test results for a wide range of supplements.
- Check Product Details: If a recall is announced, verify the lot code and expiration date on your product against the recall notice. For the Orgain peanut recall, the lot code was crucial for identification.
- Consider Whole Foods: For those concerned about supplement contamination, increasing your protein intake from whole food sources like eggs, lean meats, dairy, nuts, and legumes can be a safer alternative.
Comparison of Certifications vs. Contamination
| Feature | Third-Party Tested (NSF, Informed-Sport) | Uncertified/Untested Products |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy Metals | Tested for contaminants and heavy metals to ensure they are at safe levels. | Often untested. Studies have found high levels of lead, cadmium, and arsenic, especially in plant-based and chocolate varieties. |
| Banned Substances | Screened for substances banned by athletic organizations, ensuring they are safe for competitive athletes. | Not screened. May contain undeclared ingredients that could lead to a positive doping test. |
| Label Accuracy | Verified that what is on the label matches what is in the product. | May contain misleading information or inaccuracies regarding ingredients. |
| Allergen Risks | Production facilities often have stricter allergen control protocols, though recalls can still occur due to oversight. | Higher risk of cross-contamination due to potential lack of rigorous controls. |
Conclusion
Recent recalls and consumer investigations highlight the potential safety risks associated with certain protein powders, ranging from undeclared allergens to heavy metal contamination. While the FDA does not pre-approve dietary supplements, informed consumers can protect themselves by prioritizing third-party certified products and regularly checking trusted sources like the FDA and Consumer Reports for the latest alerts. Being aware of the specific products that have caused concern, such as the Orgain batches or those flagged by Consumer Reports for heavy metal content, allows for safer purchasing decisions and reduced health risks. For maximum security, some may choose to focus on whole food sources of protein, but for those who prefer supplements, diligent research is essential. An excellent resource for checking product safety and understanding contamination issues is the Clean Label Project website, which provides detailed reports based on independent testing.
