Amazon Sued After Protein Powder Tests Reveal Heavy Metal Contamination
on Aug 05, 2026
E-commerce giant Amazon has been hit with a class-action lawsuit after a protein marketed as “non-toxic” tested positive for high levels of heavy metals.
On July 31, 2026, a class action and consumer protection lawsuit was filed by Hagens Berman in the Western District of Washington at Seattle. It alleges that Orgain protein powder, sold by Amazon and other retailers, contains dangerous levels of lead, cadmium, and arsenic. The specific products in question are:
- Orgain Organic Protein Powder, Vanilla Bean
- Orgain Organic Protein Powder, Creamy Chocolate Fudge
An investigation by the Clean Label Project and Consumer Reports found that more than two-thirds of the 23 protein powders and shakes tested contained unsafe levels of lead. Orgain specifically contained 143% of the level of concern for lead per serving.
Independent laboratory testing done by Hagens Berman reportedly backs these findings. A similar suit was filed the week prior against warehouse retailer Costco by the same firm.
Additionally, the lawsuit claims that Amazon falsely advertised the product as a clean and healthy alternative without ever testing its contents. The product listing includes descriptors such as “Cleaner Ingredients,” “Quality Ingredients,” “Higher Standards,” “Non-GMO,” and “USDA ORGANIC.”
The retailer is accused of violating state consumer protection laws, alleging that they “knew or, at a minimum, should have known” of the health risks that can be caused by toxic metal contamination.
At press time, neither Amazon nor Orgain has commented on the lawsuit, and the products remain listed for purchase on the website.
RELATED: RECALL ISSUED FOR MORE THAN 180,000 CANS OF POPULAR SOUP
Health Risks Of Heavy Metals
Currently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) monitors arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury levels in food, as these metals are most commonly associated with health risks. These metals can accumulate in the body over time and lead to adverse health complications.
According to Columbia Doctors, lead can “affect nearly every organ in the body and lead to developmental delays, high blood pressure, and kidney damage.”
Arsenic exposure can increase the risk of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological damage, and cadmium is linked to kidney disease and bone damage.
To learn how the class-action lawsuit against Amazon can help you, click here.
