A report from the Clear Label Mission (CLP) claims protein powders include excessive ranges of heavy metallic contamination, significantly lead and cadmium.
Within the report, CLP says it examined 160 merchandise from 70 top-selling manufacturers, discovering 47 p.c of the merchandise exceeded California Proposition 65 (Prop 65) security thresholds for poisonous metals. The report states there have been 3 times the lead quantity and twice the cadmium quantity.
CLP says it performed greater than 35,000 exams on contaminants together with lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury and bisphenols.
“This research serves as a wake-up name for customers, producers, retailers and regulators alike. With a scarcity of complete federal laws particularly addressing heavy metals in dietary dietary supplements, it’s vital that the trade independently takes proactive measures,” CLP stated within the report. “Clear Label Mission’s findings name for a brand new stage of transparency and stricter security requirements to guard customers from long-term publicity to those contaminants.”
The Council for Accountable Vitamin (CRN) and Pure Merchandise Affiliation (NPA) responded to the research, calling it inaccurate and deceptive.
NPA stated the “research” falsely claims there’s a “vital pretense of contaminants in some merchandise and that it may submit a critical security risk to customers.” NPA stated the group denied requests from the affiliation to reveal the methodology and knowledge used within the research. NPA additionally referred to as out CNN, for its reporting and for failing to contact NPA.
“The Clear Label Mission is filled with it, and it’s a disgrace that nobody at CNN did primary reporting by neither asking for the methodology for this sham of a research nor contacted the NPA for evaluation and remark. As a substitute, CNN blindly reported what the Clear Label Mission advised them with out verifying,” stated Daniel Fabricant, PhD, president and CEO of NPA. “In 2020, they pulled the very same stunt attacking collagen dietary supplements, however this so-called research is nothing however sizzling air. Once we requested them to reveal its funders and the complete methodology of the collagen research, they didn’t reply and as a substitute hid from the reality. Once more, we’re demanding that they disclose this so-called research’s methodology as a substitute of peddling misinformation and making the most of referred merchandise to on-line retailers listed on its web site.”
Dr. Andrea Wong, senior vp, scientific & regulatory affairs at CRN, additionally responded to the research, stating:
“The Council for Accountable Vitamin helps efforts to make sure the security and high quality of dietary dietary supplements, together with protein powders. Nevertheless, as we’ve got famous prior to now, reviews like these issued by the Clear Label Mission typically lack vital context and threat deceptive customers reasonably than empowering them.
First, it is very important emphasize that the detection of contaminants, as highlighted on this report, doesn’t inherently equate to a well being threat. Fashionable analytical strategies can detect even hint ranges of naturally occurring components, akin to heavy metals, that are current in soil, air, and water. These hint ranges are sometimes nicely beneath established security thresholds set by federal companies just like the Meals and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Safety Company (EPA).
California Proposition 65, often referenced in CLP’s findings, imposes limits which are uniquely stringent and never aligned with federal tips. For instance, it imposes a 1,000-fold security issue beneath the extent at which no dangerous results have been noticed, and it requires labeling of merchandise over that quantity, not a ban on them. Whereas CLP’s intentions to guard customers are commendable, the shortage of harmonization with FDA or EPA requirements can lead to pointless shopper alarm. CRN has persistently advocated for science-based federal requirements that stability shopper security with practicality and consistency throughout all states. Federal companies regulate the manufacturing of meals and dietary dietary supplements, together with testing and monitoring protocols for heavy metals.
The report’s methodology additionally warrants scrutiny. CLP has not offered ample transparency concerning how merchandise had been chosen, the factors for contamination thresholds, or the interpretive framework for his or her findings. With out such readability, customers and trade stakeholders can’t totally consider the validity of the claims. CRN urges CLP to publish its findings in peer-reviewed journals and supply suggestions grounded in scientific proof.
Lastly, as we transfer towards making certain security and transparency, we should encourage a unified regulatory method that upholds cheap, evidence-based requirements. Aligning state initiatives like Proposition 65 with federal tips would scale back confusion for customers and producers whereas sustaining public security. CRN and its members stay dedicated to collaborating with stakeholders to advertise rigorous, clear, and uniform security requirements throughout the dietary complement trade.”
To learn the complete report, go to https://cleanlabelproject.org/wp-content/uploads/CleanLabelProject_ProteinStudyWhitepaper_010625.pdf.
