Consumer Reports (CR) has launched a petition urging the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to establish enforceable limits on lead in protein powders and shakes, following a new investigation that revealed widespread contamination in these popular dietary supplements. Of the 23 products tested—including dairy, beef, and plant-based protein supplements—more than two-thirds contained lead levels exceeding CR’s daily threshold of concern (0.5 micrograms), with some surpassing it by over 1,500 percent.

CR’s testing revealed that plant-based products, particularly those made with pea protein, had the highest lead concentrations; on average, nine times more than dairy-based powders and twice as much as beef-based supplements. Naked Nutrition’s Mass Gainer and Huel’s Black Edition were flagged as especially concerning, with lead levels of 7.7 and 6.3 micrograms per serving, respectively. CR advises against consuming these products altogether.

Other products, including Garden of Life’s Sport Organic Plant-Based Protein and Momentous’ 100 Percent Plant Protein, contained lead levels between 400 and 600 percent of CR’s threshold. CR recommends limiting consumption of these products to once weekly.

In addition to lead, CR found cadmium and inorganic arsenic in several products. Huel’s Black Edition contained 9.2 micrograms of cadmium per serving, more than double the level considered potentially harmful. Optimum Nutrition’s Serious Mass whey protein powder had 8.5 micrograms of inorganic arsenic per serving, twice CR’s recommended daily limit.

CR’s threshold of concern for toxic elements are based on California’s Proposition 65 maximum allowable dose level (MADL).

While all tested products met or exceeded their label claims for protein content (20–60 grams per serving), the presence of heavy metals raises health concerns for regular consumers.

Consumer Reports Urges FDA to Close Dietary Supplement Regulatory Gaps 

The regulatory framework surrounding dietary supplements remains a concern, as supplements, which include protein powders, are not subject to pre-market approval by FDA. Manufacturers are not required to prove safety or efficacy before products reach consumers, and there are no federal limits for heavy metal content in protein powders. Oversight is largely reactive, relying on post-market surveillance, voluntary reporting, and limited inspections, says CR.

A 2023 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report criticized FDA’s supplements oversight and recommended that Congress expand the agency’s authority. According to GAO, of the approximately 12,000 registered supplement manufacturers, FDA inspected only 600 in the previous year.

“Establishing enforceable limits in foods and supplements would go a long way in protecting consumers,” said Brian Ronholm, CR’s Director of Food Policy. “FDA’s lack of funding and staff makes the problem worse.”