California Proposition 65 Compliance: Why Accurate Labeling Matters

California’s Proposition 65—officially known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986—is one of the most far-reaching product labeling laws in the United States. It requires businesses to provide clear warnings about exposure to chemicals that the state of California has identified as potentially causing cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

For manufacturers, importers, and brand owners, failure to comply with Prop 65 can result in hefty fines, lawsuits, and reputational damage. At FSVPServices.com, we help businesses navigate this complex regulation with confidence through our Proposition 65 Regulatory Review service.

What Is Proposition 65?

Proposition 65 mandates that businesses selling products in California must label any product that exposes consumers to one or more of over 900 listed chemicals, unless the exposure is below a defined “safe harbor” level. These chemicals may be present in:

• Product formulations (e.g., food ingredients, cosmetics, supplements)
• Packaging materials
• Manufacturing processes

This law applies even if your product is sold online and simply ships to California. If there’s a route to the California market, you must comply.

Common Chemicals That Trigger Prop 65 Warnings

Some common substances that require Prop 65 labeling include:

• Lead (in supplements, chocolate, ceramics)
• Acrylamide (in baked or fried foods)
• Bisphenol A (BPA) (in packaging)
• Phthalates (in plastics, fragrances)
• Formaldehyde (in cosmetics and personal care products)

Our Regulatory Review Service

At FSVPServices.com, we offer a structured approach to Proposition 65 compliance, supporting businesses in identifying, assessing, and properly disclosing risks:

✅ Chemical Screening & Formulation Review
- • We assess your product ingredients and packaging for the presence of regulated substances, cross-checking with California’s updated chemical list.
✅ Risk Level Evaluation
- • We evaluate the potential exposure levels for your product and determine whether they exceed the allowable daily intake limits defined by California’s safe harbor levels.
✅ Labeling Review & Development
- • If a warning is required, we ensure your label includes accurate and properly formatted Prop 65 statements that comply with current regulations.
✅ Recordkeeping & Documentation
- • We provide guidance on retaining records of your evaluations and decisions, helping you build a defensible compliance position in the event of enforcement.
✅ Ongoing Monitoring
- • We keep your team updated on changes to chemical listings and enforcement trends, helping you stay ahead of evolving requirements.

Why Proposition 65 Matters — Even If You’re Outside California

California is the world’s fifth-largest economy, and many businesses can’t afford to exclude the state from their market. Prop 65 enforcement is also driven by private citizen lawsuits, not just government inspections. If your product lands in California with inaccurate or missing warnings, you could face legal action even without a consumer complaint.

How FSVPServices.com Protects Your Brand

We take the guesswork out of Prop 65. Whether you're launching a new product or reevaluating existing inventory, our Proposition 65 Regulatory Review service helps you:

• Avoid fines and costly litigation
• Protect your brand’s reputation
• Maintain trust with consumers and retail partners
• Stay compliant with both state and federal labeling laws

Ready to Get Started?

Don’t wait until you receive a legal notice. Let us help you proactively manage your Prop 65 compliance. 👉 Visit FSVPServices.com to book a label and packaging review today.