California law contains what is known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act, also referred to as Proposition 65 (“Prop 65”). Prop 65 is a unique, California-only “right to know” law that requires products sold in California to bear warning notices about potential exposure to any of the over 800 substances listed by the state. Prop 65’s warning standards are uniquely low and not safety-based. As a practical matter, Prop 65 warnings are required for any product (food or non-food) that exposes an individual in California to virtually any detectable amount of a listed chemical.
Why am I being warned about potential exposure to certain chemicals in foods and beverages?
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Some foods and beverages contain chemicals that are on the Proposition 65 list for cancer or reproductive toxicity.
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California’s Proposition 65 requires businesses to warn people before exposing them to a significant amount of a chemical listed under Proposition 65 for cancer or reproductive toxicity.
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A court has decided that businesses do not have to warn about exposure to acrylamide in food. However, people can still take steps to reduce their exposure to this chemical.
These chemicals may be present in certain foods and beverages you prepare at home or purchase at a grocery store. They may also be found in certain foods and beverages sold or served by restaurants and other food facilities.
This does not mean that these foods and beverages should never be consumed. However, you may choose to reduce your exposure by limiting how often and how much of them you consume.
For more detailed information: https://www.p65warnings.ca.gov/about-proposition-65