A Consumer Report Study recently came out announcing concerning levels of lead in mainstream protein powder brands.
In this study, Consumer Reports stated that more than two thirds of the 23 brands studied had more lead in one serving “than CR’s food safety experts say is safe to consume in a day.” The study further pointed out that “nearly all the plant-based products CR tested had elevated lead levels.”
If you were concerned, we get it, and we’re here to break it all down. After all, we obsess about quality standards such as heavy metal testing every day, and we’d love nothing more than to nerd out with you about this topic.
First let’s start by reassuring you that we test our products regularly using an independent third party and we’ve always tested below all FDA Interim Reference Levels (IRLs) for lead.
Our team is committed to (and arguably obsessed with) meeting rigorous standards for quality and safety. Just as we obsess over each ingredient in our blend, we go above and beyond what is required of a food company for testing.
Let’s discuss a few facts about lead consumption in general.
Although lead levels can be concerning (for good reason), there are actually levels of lead in all soil, which means that fruits and vegetables contain lead. That means the average American consumes lead naturally through their regular, healthy diet.
Ka’Chava is made from natural, whole foods, and because of this, variation within testing will always be present in our blends. However, throughout all of our testing, we’ve always tested under the FDA IRLs.
The primary causes of lead exposure are in fact not connected to food consumption, but are mainly due to industrial pollution, contaminated water from old piping, and inhalation of contaminated dust. Blood-lead levels have decreased steadily since 1999.
While the Food & Drug Administration is working to reduce this number through programs such as the “Closer to Zero” Initiative, this is highly difficult to achieve. In the meantime, the FDA creates Interim Reference Levels (IRLs) as guidance. It is important to know these levels aren't tolerances or recommended consumption, but rather a public health target to stay below.
We’re so grateful to have educated, health-conscious customers like you who are committed to taking care of their bodies, and we welcome any opportunity to speak with nuance about issues such as this. Rest assured that we’re steadfastly committed to creating products that are safe, healthy, and delicious to consume—all in an effort to help you live your fullest life.