A video making the rounds on social media has spotlighted an Indonesian spice product carrying a Proposition 65 warning from California. This label flags potential cancer-causing substances within the item.
California’s Prop 65: What You Need to Know
Understanding the implications of California’s consumer protection law for products sold in the Golden State.
What is Proposition 65? Proposition 65 is a state law. It requires businesses to warn consumers about significant exposures to chemicals. These chemicals are known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) oversees Proposition 65. It maintains the list of chemicals and enforces the law.
This regulation applies to companies with 10 or more employees. It covers businesses operating in California, including those selling products online or through catalogs to residents of the state.
What does a Prop 65 warning label signify? A Prop 65 warning means a product contains one or more chemicals. California has identified these as potentially harmful. The label informs consumers that long-term exposure could pose health risks.
What types of chemicals are on the Prop 65 list? The list is extensive. It includes around 900 substances. These can be natural or synthetic. They are found in everything from pesticides and household goods to food, medicines, dyes, solvents, building materials, and even vehicle exhaust.
The list undergoes review and updates at least annually. It has expanded considerably since its initial publication in 1987.
When was Proposition 65 enacted? California voters approved Proposition 65 in November 1986. It garnered 63 percent of the vote. Its formal title is the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986.
The law also strictly prohibits the release of listed chemicals into drinking water sources. It mandates public disclosure to help Californians make informed decisions about their health.
Are all products with these chemicals required to carry warnings? Not automatically. Warnings are mandated only when exposure levels exceed what the state deems a significant risk. If exposure is minimal or below the established safety threshold, a warning label is not required.
What are the penalties for violating Prop 65? Businesses that fail to provide necessary warnings can face substantial penalties. Fines can reach up to US$2,500 per day for each violation.
