SB 1033: California Proposes Increased Testing And Labeling Requirements For Protein Supplements

California's Senate is currently considering a bill that would create mandatory heavy metal testing and disclosure rules for protein supplement brands. SB 1033, modeled after the recent AB 899 baby food law, responds to a perception that protein powders, shakes, and bars contain elevated levels of heavy metals. The bill is co-sponsored by two activist nonprofits: Consumer Reports and Environmental Working Group.

Starting in 2027, existing California law requires brand owners of packaged prenatal multivitamin products to disclose information on the results of testing for heavy metals and to include on the packaging a link to the website where people can get information on that testing. It also requires makers of baby food to test representative samples of each product aggregate at least once per month for heavy metals, and make the testing information publicly available through their website.