California Proposition 65

What is California Proposition 65?

California Proposition 65 is a state law created by voters in 1986. Its original goal was simple. Stop toxic chemicals from being dumped into California’s water supply. Over the years, that mission expanded. The State of California now maintains a long list of substances it considers possible risks to human health. That list started with a few dozen items. Today it contains more than 800, and it is updated every year by the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.

Because of this law, California requires certain products to carry a specific warning. You have likely seen it on everything from phone chargers to glassware to produce.

Why did my SpiceQuest order include this warning?

All of our chili peppers are grown, dried, and handled with care. They meet or exceed federal and international safety standards. Even so, Prop 65 requires companies selling products in California to include a standard warning label whenever there is even a remote possibility that a naturally occurring element might be present. The label is required on countless everyday goods such as nuts, grains, coffee, spices, cookware, and many other items.

We include the warning so that SpiceQuest remains fully compliant with California law.

Does the warning mean the product is unsafe?

No. The warning does not reflect the actual safety of your spice. It simply reflects California’s extremely strict notification rules.

Prop 65 sets what are known as “safe harbor” levels, and these levels are far more conservative than federal guidelines. In many cases, the allowable amount under Prop 65 is so low that it is difficult to detect with standard testing. The presence of a label is not an indication of danger. It is a legal requirement, not a measure of risk.

Why are spices affected?

Many substances on the Prop 65 list are chemicals no one wants in the environment. Others, however, are naturally occurring elements that exist in soil, air, and water. For example, lead and arsenic are found in trace amounts in soil everywhere on Earth. They can end up in plants in incredibly small quantities simply because that is how nature works.

Federal agencies like the FDA set clear standards for what is considered safe in foods and herbs. Prop 65’s limits can be nearly one thousand times lower than those national standards. This is why items like vegetables, grains, herbs, and spices often carry the label. It reflects natural conditions, not contamination.

The bigger picture

The intention behind Prop 65 is to protect consumers. The reality is more complicated. The law places the burden on businesses, farmers, and even small food producers to prove that their products do not require the label. It has also created an environment where enforcement often happens through lawsuits that can be costly even when a company has done everything right.

If you live in California and want the law to work more fairly for both consumers and producers, you can contact your state legislators through the California State Legislature Directory. If you live elsewhere, you can reach out to your federal representatives through the House of Representatives Directory.

At SpiceQuest, we are committed to transparency, quality, and honest communication. If you ever have questions about our peppers, our testing, or our safety standards, we are always here to help.

Sincerely,

Fabio