Ken Paxton Investigates Protein Powder Manufacturers Over Heavy Metals Contamination

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) has launched an industry-wide investigation into protein powder manufacturers following reports that some products may contain elevated levels of heavy metals, including lead and cadmium.

Why is Texas investigating protein powders?

AG Paxton announced a broad investigation into protein powder manufacturers amid concerns about heavy metal contamination in popular protein powders and ready-to-drink protein shakes.

The investigation follows independent testing conducted by Consumer Reports and the Clean Label Project, both of which identified concerning levels of heavy metals in certain products.

According to Consumer Reports, testing of 23 protein powder products found that plant-based protein powders contained lead levels that were, on average, nine times higher than dairy-based protein powders and twice as high as beef-based protein products.

The organization also found that three products exceeded its level of concern for cadmium and inorganic arsenic.

Why are heavy metals a concern?

Health experts have linked chronic lead exposure to a variety of health issues, including immune suppression, kidney damage, reproductive problems, and elevated blood pressure.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, there is no known safe level of lead exposure. Children, pregnant women, and older adults are generally considered most vulnerable to the effects of heavy metal contamination.

What is Paxton saying?

Attorney General Ken Paxton: "Protein is a vital macronutrient for human health, Texans deserve clean protein powders without having to worry whether the products contain heavy metals or other harmful chemicals. Far too many corporations have snuck harmful ingredients in their products, and I am committed to doing everything I can to help Make America Healthy Again."

The Bottom Line

Paxton's investigation will focus on whether protein powder manufacturers violated Texas consumer protection laws by failing to adequately disclose or address the presence of potentially harmful and heavy metals in their products.