Protein Powders May Need Tests
California lawmakers are moving a bill that would force protein-powder companies to test for and disclose toxic heavy metals in their products — a direct response to contamination concerns in supplements (kqed.org). If it passes, expect label changes and more third-party testing across major sports-nutrition brands (kqed.org).
The measure is Senate Bill 1033, authored by Sen. Steve Padilla (D–San Diego) and introduced Feb. 11, 2026. (legiscan.com) SB 1033 would require manufacturers to test a representative sample of each lot for lead, cadmium, arsenic and mercury and to publicly disclose those test results, with the law slated to take effect Jan. 1, 2028. (trackbill.com) The Senate Health Committee approved the bill on March 25, 2026, and sponsors said the measure next moves to the Senate Environmental Quality Committee. (sd18.senate.ca.gov) (ewg.org) Consumer Reports’ October 2025 tests of 23 popular protein powders and ready‑to‑drink shakes found more than two‑thirds contained lead above CR’s level of concern and prompted CR to cosponsor the bill. (consumerreports.org) The bill is cosponsored by the Environmental Working Group, Consumer Reports and the Center for Environmental Health, while the Council for Responsible Nutrition publicly opposed SB 1033 on Feb. 13, 2026, urging federal rather than state rules. (ewg.org) (crnusa.org) Under the proposal, brand owners must post heavy‑metal testing information online, include a testing statement on the outermost package of retail products, provide results to state agents on request, and failure to comply could create a misdemeanor violation under the Sherman Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Law. (calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org) (legiscan.com)
