Prop 65 FAQs

What is the new warning label on my bread?

We are required to include this warning due to California’s Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, also known as Proposition 65. 

The label on our gluten-free hamburger buns will carry a warning about lead, which may be naturally present in trace amounts in psyllium – one of the bun’s ingredients. 

What is Proposition 65?

Proposition 65 (Prop 65) is a California state law that requires manufacturers of a wide range of products and packaged goods to post a label on their packaging if the product may expose California consumers to one of over 900 chemicals at a certain level that the state has determined may cause cancer or reproductive harm.

The standards set by Prop 65 are considerably more stringent than those of the FDA and EFSA, making it challenging for many food manufacturers to meet the guidelines. In fact, Prop 65 labeling is now required on many common household products, food, drugs, dyes, or solvents.

What is psyllium, and why is it in my bread?

Psyllium is a soluble fiber obtained from seeds of a popular herb. It’s commonly used as a dietary supplement. The USDA and EFSA, along with medical professionals such as the Cleveland Clinic, agree that psyllium husk is considered very safe.

Without gluten, psyllium is commonly used as a binder in gluten-free bread. Psyllium is also an excellent source of fiber.

Is there a lead-free alternative to psyllium?

Psyllium is largely considered essential to gluten-free baking. Some psyllium alternatives also contain trace amounts of lead, which occurs naturally in small amounts in many consumer products.

Why am I seeing this label, if I’m not in California?

Our gluten-free products are available at retailers nationwide. It was not possible to easily label only packages that would be sold in California, so the new label will appear on all packages, regardless of where they are sold.

Why does the package I just bought have no warning label?

Due to the supply chain, some consumers may not see the new label just yet. We expect all packages to include the label by the middle of this year.