Costco hit with lawsuit alleging protein powder sold in stores contains 'dangerous' levels of lead, arsenic
Costco faces a class‑action lawsuit claiming its Orgain protein powders contain dangerous levels of lead, arsenic, and cadmium.Summary
Costco has been sued in a U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington by seven plaintiffs who allege that the retailer’s Orgain protein powders—specifically Vanilla Bean and Creamy Chocolate Fudge—contain dangerous levels of heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, and cadmium. Independent testing cited in the complaint found lead concentrations exceeding California’s Proposition 65 limits by more than 600 %, and Consumer Reports and the Clean Label Project have also reported elevated metal levels in similar plant‑based powders. Orgain has denied the allegations, asserting that its products meet food‑safety standards and that trace amounts of environmental substances are normal, while Costco has not yet responded to the lawsuit. The case highlights growing scrutiny of protein supplements, prompting California lawmakers to propose mandatory testing and disclosure of heavy metals and prompting Texas officials to launch an industry‑wide investigation.
(Source：Fox Business)