Costco Sued Over Heavy Metals in Orgain Protein Powder
Costco faces a class action lawsuit alleging it sold Orgain protein powders with dangerous levels of lead, arsenic, and cadmium.
A Costco store exterior with shoppers walking near the entrance sign.
Plaintiffs Target Contaminated Products
The Lawsuit focuses on Orgain Vanilla Bean and Creamy Chocolate Fudge protein powders. Retailers market these products both in stores and online as clean nutrition.
Plaintiffs argue Costco failed to properly screen these items for toxic substances. They claim health-conscious consumers unknowingly ingested alarming levels of lead, cadmium, and arsenic.
Testing Reveals Elevated Metal Levels
Independent testing commissioned by the plaintiffs showed significant contamination. The Vanilla Bean flavor exceeded California regulatory limits for lead by more than 600%.
Separate independent reports also flagged elevated Heavy Metals in plant-based proteins. Experts noted that organic plant-based powders often contain higher metal levels than whey alternatives.
Manufacturer Defends Product Quality
Orgain strongly rejected the allegations and stated its products are entirely safe. The company said trace environmental elements can appear in plant-based ingredients.
Costco displays a disclaimer on its website noting that product details come from third-party manufacturers. Regulators warn that chronic exposure to lead can cause severe long-term health damage.
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