State Senate Committee Votes to Protect Consumers from Heavy Metals in Protein Products

SACRAMENTO – Yesterday, the Senate Environmental Quality Committee approved Senate Bill 1033, authored by Senator Steve Padilla (D-San Diego). The bill aims to protect consumers by requiring testing and disclosure of heavy metals in protein products sold in California.

“Everyone has a right to know that the products they consume meet basic safety standards,” said Senator Padilla. “Right now, the protein supplement market is growing fast, but the lack of oversight is leaving too many unanswered questions for consumers. Strengthening consumer safeguards gives families clear, reliable information before making choices about their health.”

Demand for protein powders, drinks, and fortified foods has surged in recent years, leading to several new protein products becoming widely available to consumers of all ages. However, this rapid growth has outpaced regulatory oversight, raising concerns about product safety and contamination. Last October, an investigation by Consumer Reports found that several protein products contained dangerous levels of heavy metals including arsenic, cadmium, and lead. Some products had even 1,200% and 1,600% above recommended safety thresholds, posing significant health risks, particularly for individuals who consume these products regularly.

SB 1033 would require manufacturers of protein products to test for heavy metals and publicly disclose those results. This bill would also prohibit the sale of products that fail to meet these safety standards, ensuring consumers can make informed decisions on what they are consuming and avoid potentially harmful products.

California has previously enacted landmark protections regulating harmful toxins in products such as baby food, prenatal vitamins, menstrual products, and cosmetics. SB 1033 continues that commitment by expanding safeguards to the rapidly growing protein supplement market.

SB 1033 is sponsored by the Environmental Working Group, Consumer Reports, and the Center for Environmental Health.

To learn more about Senate Bill 1033 and the issue of unregulated protein products, click here.

Senate Bill 1033 passed the Senate Environmental Quality Committee yesterday by a vote of 4 to 1, and now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

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Steve Padilla represents the 18th Senate District, which includes the communities of Chula Vista, the Coachella Valley, Imperial Beach, the Imperial Valley, National City, and San Diego. Prior to his election to the Senate in 2022, Senator Padilla was the first person of color ever elected to city office in Chula Vista, the first Latino Mayor, and the first openly LGBT person to serve or be elected to city office. Website of Senator Steve Padilla: https://sd18.senate.ca.gov/