NEW YORK, Jan 21: A recent report from the Clean Label Project reveals that many popular protein powders, particularly plant-based, organic, and chocolate-flavored varieties, may contain dangerous levels of heavy metals like lead and cadmium.

The study tested 160 protein powder products and found that nearly half (47%) exceeded California's Proposition 65 limits for lead. In some cases, the levels were more than twice the legal threshold.

"Heavy metal contamination is a widespread food safety issue," said Jackie Bowen, executive director of the Clean Label Project. "These contaminants are found everywhere, including in products marketed as health foods."

The investigation showed that plant-based powders—such as those made from soy, rice, and peas—contained three times more lead than whey-based powders. Organic powders had three times as much lead and twice as much cadmium as their non-organic counterparts. Chocolate-flavored powders had four times more lead and up to 110 times more cadmium than vanilla-flavored ones.

Plants absorb heavy metals from the soil and water, and contamination can be exacerbated by industrial waste, mining, or certain pesticides and fertilizers. Dark chocolate, known for its antioxidants, also tends to accumulate higher levels of lead and cadmium.

For the report, Clean Label Project researchers purchased protein powders from 70 brands and tested nearly 36,000 products for contaminants, including heavy metals and hormone disruptors such as BPA. Specific brand names were not disclosed.

On a positive note, BPA and its counterpart, bisphenol S (BPS), were found in only three of the 160 powders tested, a significant decrease compared to a similar report in 2018, which showed 55% of products contained these chemicals.

The Council for Responsible Nutrition, which represents many supplement companies, challenged the report's findings, claiming it lacked transparency about how contamination thresholds were set and which products were tested.

"Modern testing techniques can detect even trace amounts of heavy metals, which are naturally present in the environment," said Andrea Wong, senior vice president of the council. "These trace levels are usually far below the safety thresholds set by the FDA and EPA."

Despite this, both the EPA and OSHA consider lead to be harmful to human health, and cadmium is a carcinogen and toxic to organs.

Bowen suggests that while it's not necessary to completely avoid protein powders, consumers can make informed choices to reduce their exposure to harmful contaminants. "Pea protein powders have the lowest levels of heavy metals for plant-based diets," Bowen said. "For those without dietary restrictions, whey-based or egg-based, vanilla-flavored protein powders are the best options."

She also urged consumers to ask brands about their testing practices. "Ask questions, demand answers," Bowen concluded. "The issue of heavy metals is not going away."