Nutritional supplement brand Bluebonnet Nutrition (Sugar Land, TX) responded to the recent Consumer Reports article regarding heavy metal contamination in protein powders.
“Protecting consumer health is a shared priority, and we recognize the importance of continued vigilance when it comes to product safety and quality,” said Bluebonnet President Gary Barrows. “While the findings raise concerns that deserve thoughtful discussion, they also present an opportunity for industry, regulators and consumer advocates to work together in strengthening standards, increasing transparency and promoting best practices.”
According to the company, Bluebonnet invests heavily in its accredited quality control labs. It uses state-of-the-art Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) technology, enabling ultra-trace level quantification of heavy metals sch as lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury.
All raw materials, finished products and lots are tested based on California’s Proposition 65 (Prop 65) heavy metal standards, which sets some of the most stringent limits for heavy metals. These standards are typically much lower than federal guidelines, requiring rigorous sourcing, manufacturing and testing protocols, the company said.
Even though Bluebonnet’s products were not part of the report, the company stated that it is committed to being transparent. Natural variations in ingredients can cause heavy metal fluctuations so Bluebonnet includes a Prop 65 Warning statement on applicable products.
The company acknowledged these products can naturally contain trace amounts of heavy metals because they come from natural sources, such as soil-grown plants, dairy and water, and may absorb heavy metals from the environment. However, even if levels exceed the Prop 65 threshold, they remain below the guidelines referenced in the article, the company said.
“We understand that reports like Consumer Reports’ article on heavy metals in protein powders can raise valid concerns among consumers,” Barrows said. “By working together—sharing testing data, adhering to stringent standards like Proposition 65, and prioritizing quality in-house testing and trusted third-party certifications—we can continue to build consumer confidence and provide safe, effective nutritional products. We remain committed to supporting your efforts in offering products that not only meet but exceed industry expectations.”
For more information, visit www.bluebonnetnutrition.com.
