Consumer Reports flags high lead in protein powders
Consumer Reports said Tuesday that more than two-thirds of 23 protein powders and shakes it tested contained more than 0.5 micrograms of lead per serving, a level experts cite as a daily safety threshold. The watchdog also found two products over its cadmium concern level and three with inorganic arsenic, naming Huel Black Edition and Naked Nutrition Vegan Mass Gainer among products with the highest lead, while both companies disputed safety concerns and emphasized testing and compliance. CR launched a petition urging the FDA to set strong limits on lead in protein supplements once the government shutdown ends, noting the agency does not pre-approve dietary supplements.
Health
Public Safety
📌 Key Facts
- Scope: 23 protein powders/shakes tested across dairy, beef and plant-based products
- Finding: > two-thirds exceeded 0.5 micrograms of lead per serving (CR’s expert-based safety threshold)
- Plant-based vs dairy: plant-based averaged ~9x more lead than whey and ~2x more than beef-based products
- Named products: Huel Black Edition and Naked Nutrition Vegan Mass Gainer flagged for highest lead
- Other metals: 2 products exceeded CR’s cadmium concern level; 3 contained inorganic arsenic
- Regulatory gap: FDA does not review/approve supplements before sale; CR petition urges FDA limits