Because heavy metals are found everywhere in the environment (soil, water, air), raw ingredients which are grown in the ground, can absorb heavy metals naturally. Soil composition, agricultural practices, and crop types can all affect the presence of trace amounts of heavy metals. We work diligently to minimize heavy metal traces to safe levels and we are always in compliance with relevant regulation. We also prioritize suppliers that take great care in their soil composition and regeneration, and those who practice organic agriculture, which helps to reduce the risk of a presence of trace heavy metals.
What is MadeGood doing to protect its customers against heavy metals?
Our number one priority as a company is to ensure high-quality and food safety standards of our products. This has always been core to our mission since our family started MadeGood, after finding a lack of suitable snacks for most consumers with dietary sensitivities and allergies.
Today, the industry reference in the U.S. for traces of heavy metals is and remains the rigorous standards set by Proposition 65 by the state of California, by which we scrupulously abide for our finished products. In fact, we have a comprehensive program in place to ensure we comply with those standards. That includes vetting the ingredient suppliers we work with very closely to evaluate the risk of heavy metals through a risk assessment. Both our ingredients and finished snacks are also regularly tested for traces of heavy metals through an independent, accredited third-party laboratory. Our products consistently test below the Proposition 65 thresholds for traces of heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury).
Help me understand the existing standards around heavy metals.
We follow Proposition 65, which is currently the established legal standard in existence around heavy metals for our products. Though this standard only applies to the state of California, we’ve made the proactive decision to follow these standards for all of our snacks, regardless of location. We’re also closely monitoring the latest science research and initiatives by governing bodies on heavy metal contaminants to ensure we, as well as our suppliers, are doing everything we can for our customers’ health and safety.