California Prop 65 P65 FAQs

**Understanding the Prop 65 Warning on Our Nori Seaweed Products**

At RawNori, we're committed to providing you with the highest quality nori seaweed, rich in nutrients and harvested from the pristine waters where nature intended. You might have noticed a Proposition 65 warning label on our packaging, which is required by California law due to naturally occurring lead found in seaweed. Here's why you shouldn't let this label deter you from enjoying our products: -

**Naturally Occurring Substances**: Seaweed, including nori, naturally absorbs trace elements from the ocean, including lead. This is not a result of pollution or industrial contamination but rather a part of the marine ecosystem. The levels of lead in our nori are consistent with what's found in the ocean environment, not from any added sources. -

**Regulatory Compliance**: Proposition 65 mandates businesses to inform consumers about potential exposure to chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. This applies even if these chemicals are present in minute, naturally occurring amounts. Our inclusion of this warning is purely to comply with this regulation, not because our product poses an unusual risk. -

**Safety and Quality**: We adhere to stringent quality controls to ensure our nori seaweed meets or exceeds safety standards. Our products undergo rigorous testing to confirm that any naturally occurring substances, like lead, are at levels considered safe by broader health guidelines outside of Prop 65's strict criteria. -

**Health Benefits**: Nori seaweed is celebrated for its nutritional profile, offering iodine, fiber, protein, and vitamins. The benefits of including nori in your diet, especially in moderation, far outweigh the minimal risks associated with its natural lead content, which is significantly below what might cause concern in typical dietary consumption. -

**Consumer Awareness**: We believe in transparency. While Prop 65 aims to protect consumer health, its application can sometimes cause alarm where there might not be significant cause for concern. We encourage you to consider the context of these warnings and the overall health benefits of our seaweed. -

**Moderation and Balance**: Like with any food, consuming nori seaweed as part of a balanced diet is key. The trace amounts of lead are not a concern when nori is consumed in moderation alongside a variety of other foods. At RawNori, our mission is to deliver the ocean's bounty to your table in the most natural form. We're here to support your health and wellness journey, ensuring that every bite of our nori seaweed is not just safe but beneficial. If you have any further questions or need more information, please feel free to reach out. We're committed to your satisfaction and health.

 

**Understanding California's Proposition 65** California's Proposition 65, officially known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, aims to keep consumers informed about potential exposure to over 800 listed chemicals and metals. This law has set stringent criteria, leading to widespread warnings on various products, including many natural foods, due to naturally occurring substances that exceed these thresholds.

**Labeling Requirements Under Proposition 65** You might encounter products with labels stating something like: "WARNING: This product can expose you to [chemical name], which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm." These notices are found across California in numerous settings and on products sold online or through mail order, ensuring that Californians are aware of potential chemical exposures. Proposition 65 is designed for transparency, not to prohibit the sale of products containing these chemicals.

**Chemicals Listed Under Proposition 65** The list includes over 900 substances identified as carcinogens or reproductive toxins, such as cadmium, mercury, and lead. These chemicals can be naturally present in the environment and thus in food, even without being intentionally added.

**RawNori and Proposition 65** At RawNori, we prioritize food safety and quality control. Our products are rigorously tested by third parties, often meeting exemption criteria from Prop 65 requirements. However, we choose to include warning labels as a precaution, reflecting our commitment to transparency and consumer information. We recommend moderation in consumption and advise pregnant individuals or those with concerns to consult healthcare providers. Our products are sold nationwide, hence the inclusion of general warnings, even though Prop 65 primarily applies in California. For orders shipped to California via our website, we notify customers about potential chemical exposure as per the law.

There are no added chemicals in our Nori, Most plants and animals in land and in the sea absorb certain substances naturally from the environment. Any have metals associated with California Prop 65 warnings are naturally occurring in the ocean, and are not added or from any other type of exposure. Our Nori is tested with each batch to ensure the levels occurring are far below the set recognized standards for safety. 

**Seeking Further Information** For more details, visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/food or contact product manufacturers directly. Remember, the absence of a warning on other products doesn't necessarily indicate they are free from listed substances. Always consult with a physician if you have health concerns related to our products. For any inquiries or assistance, feel free to reach out to us at info@rawnori.com