A consumer alleges in a new class action lawsuit that the makers of Vega Protein Powders and Shakes fail to disclose the high levels of lead and cadmium in the products.
Lead plaintiff Andrew Bland claims in the Vega Protein class action lawsuit that Sequel Natural and WhiteWave Food Co. market Vega Protein Powders and Protein Shakes as healthy and natural โplant basedโ nutrition.
However, the Vega class action lawsuit says the protein powder and shakes actually contain heavy metals at such high levels of lead and cadmium both of which are considered toxic under California law.
โUnfortunately for consumers, the heightened levels of lead and cadmium found in the Vega Products are known by the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, and other health risks,โ alleges the Vega Protein class action lawsuit.
โThe amount of these toxic heavy metals present in a single serving of the Vega Products is sufficient to expose consumers to a substantial risk of birth defects and other reproductive harm.โ
According to the plaintiff in the Vega Protein class action lawsuit, he and other consumers purchased the products based on representations that they were healthy and superior to similar shakes and powders on the market.
Advertising for Vega products included statements such as โmade with REAL plant based FOOD ingredients,โ and reportedly touted ingredients like plant protein, greens, and chia seeds.
The plaintiff says that he and other health conscious consumers would have had no way of knowing about the high levels of lead and cadmium in the Vega products.
โIndeed, the amount of heavy metals in the Vega Products violates California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 (โProposition 65โ),โย alleges the Vega Protein class action lawsuit.
Proposition 65, or Prop 65, is a California law that requires companies to either limit the amount of certain chemicals in their products or provide a warning to consumers. Under Prop 65, a list of substances known to cause harm to human health is maintained and evaluated.
โLead is dangerous to humans, and can affect almost every organ and system in the body,โ alleges the Vega Protein class action lawsuit. โLead accumulates in the body over time, and can lead to health risks and toxicity, including inhibiting neurological function, anemia, kidney damage, seizures, and in extreme cases, comas and death.โ
Similarly, โCadmium is also dangerous to humans and exposure can cause cancer of the lung and may cause cancer of the prostate and kidney,โ states the Vega Protein class action lawsuit. โCadmium can also cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.โ
Bland claims in the Vega Protein class action lawsuit that Sequel Natural and WhiteWave Food Co. should have warned consumers about the levels of lead and cadmium allegedly in their products.
โReasonable consumers across the country would not have purchased the Vega Products if they had known that they contained heightened lead and cadmium, or would have purchased them on different terms,โ states the Vega Protein class action lawsuit.
The Vega class action lawsuit seeks to represent a nationwide Class of consumers who purchased Vega products.
The plaintiff is seeking not only damages, but a court order requiring Sequel Natural and WhiteWave Food Co. to conduct a corrective advertising campaign.
Bland is represented by L. Timothy Fisher, Joel D. Smith, and Thomas A. Reyda of Bursor & Fisher PA.
The Vega Protein Class Action Lawsuit is Bland v. Sequel Natural LTD., et al., Case No. 3:18-cv-04767-JCS, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.
ATTORNEY ADVERTISING
Top Class Actions is a Proud Member of the American Bar Association
LEGAL INFORMATION IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE
Top Class Actions Legal Statement
ยฉ2008 โ 2024 Top Class Actionsยฎ LLC
Various Trademarks held by their respective owners
This website is not intended for viewing or usage by European Union citizens.
84 thoughts onVega Protein Powder Contains Toxic Minerals, Class Action Says
I have used a LOT of Vega one all in one shake, and Vega sport shake everyday for years! I canโt believe they have done this. I have also given it to my mother who is in her 80โs thinking it would be good for her! What can I do about this now?!
Thank you!
My husband and I have been using this product for years. Plant based Vega protein and greens.
Please add me
Iโm a years long Vega One consumer. As a vegan, a heavy consumer. Iโve made smoothies with this stuff and fed to my 3 and 9 year old kids. Iโm halfway through a tub right now. Please add me
Add me
I am rather surprised. I have purchased many of their products directly from Vega over the years.
I have a big jar of Vega right now. What should I do with it?
Add me, as I purchased this powder on a few times.
Purchased Vega Protein Powder many times; have some in my kitchen. Sold as healthy; no info provided on health risk or toxic contaminants in the product. Need to pay penalties; clean up product. Falsely claimed safe and good for you. Sad we spend so much money to suffer harm with lies and deception.
add me
The case is still moving through the courts and has not yet reached a settlement. Claim forms are usually not made available to consumers until after a court approved settlement is reached. Setting up a free account with Top Class Actions will allow you to receive instant updates on ANY article that you โFollowโ on our website. A link to creating an account may be found here: https://topclassactions.com/signup/. You can then โFollowโ the article above, and get notified immediately when we post updates!
So disappointing that something I thought was part of my healthy plant based diet was so toxic. Really? Vega didnโt do a third party test before releasing this product? Criminal