Texas AG Opens Industry-Wide Probe Into Heavy Metals in Protein Powders

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced an industry-wide investigation into protein powder manufacturers after independent testing by Consumer Reports and the Clean Label Project found concerning levels of heavy metals, including lead and cadmium, in popular powders. Consumer Reports reported higher lead in plant-based powders (about nine times that of dairy whey and twice that of beef-based products) and noted cadmium and inorganic arsenic concerns in a few items; Clean Label Project found 47% of 160 products exceeded California Proposition 65 limits for heavy metals in a single serving. Health risks from lead exposure are well-documented, with no known safe level per the FDA. Paxton said the probe will examine possible violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act related to marketing safety claims and failure to disclose known heavy-metal contamination.