ICP-MS testing for arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury in protein powders — plant-based and animal-derived. Includes comparison to Consumer Reports and Prop 65 thresholds.
Consumer Reports and Clean Label Project have flagged heavy metal contamination in protein powders as a significant consumer safety issue.
Pea, rice, hemp, and other plant-based proteins tend to bioaccumulate heavier metal loads than whey or casein.
Consumer Reports testing has set a de facto industry benchmark for protein powder heavy metals. We test to the same sensitivity.
California Prop 65 has NSRLs for cadmium and lead that are stricter than federal action levels.
Standard 5–10 day turnaround. Rush available for product launches.
Comprehensive results for brand defense and label claims.
Submitting takes less than 5 minutes. Most projects turn around in 5–10 business days from sample receipt.
Fill out our sample intake form — sample type, quantity, and timeline. We confirm turnaround and quote within one business day.
We'll send submission instructions and our San Diego shipping address. Most samples ship ambient or cold depending on stability requirements.
Results are delivered as a signed PDF COA within the agreed turnaround. Rush service (2–3 business days) available for urgent timelines.
Plants bioaccumulate metals from soil. Crops like rice are known to concentrate arsenic due to flooding cultivation practices. Pea and hemp also tend to have higher cadmium than animal-derived proteins.
Yes. We calculate the estimated daily metal exposure based on your stated serving size and compare it to Prop 65 NSRLs and Safe Harbor thresholds.
Yes. We test all protein powder types — whey, casein, egg, collagen, and plant-based.
Submit your samples and receive an ISO 17025 accreditation pending Certificate of Analysis. Results in 5–10 business days.