A class action lawsuit was filed against Costco on July 7 by seven individuals, claiming that Orgain Organic Protein Powder, sold in the retailer’s stores, contains harmful levels of heavy metals, including lead, cadmium, and arsenic. The legal action was officially lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington in Seattle, where the plaintiffs allege that Costco’s marketing of these products is misleading and violates consumer protection laws in Washington State.
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According to the complaint, the plaintiffs argue that the protein powder’s advertised features—highlighting “quality ingredients” and “higher standards” while presenting itself as “clean fuel” for consumers—are not accurate representations. They assert that these claims are deceptive, given the alleged levels of toxic contaminants in the product.
The lawsuit stated, “Heavy metals are known to pose significant and adverse health risks and consequences to humans,” stressing that no level of exposure to these substances can be deemed safe. The plaintiffs seek a jury trial, requesting damages that reflect the loss of value connected to the alleged misrepresentations of the protein powder products.
Specifically, the lawsuit identifies Orgain Organic Protein Powder in both vanilla bean and creamy chocolate fudge flavours as potential sources of heavy metal contamination. The plaintiffs are pushing for financial restitution as part of their claims against Costco, contributing to the seriousness of the allegations.
In response to the lawsuit, representatives from Orgain have defended the safety of their products, stating, “While trace amounts of substances that occur in the environment can be present in plant-based ingredients, our products comply with applicable food safety standards and guidance.” They emphasised their commitment to maintaining high safety and quality standards for their offerings.
The plaintiffs’ claims are bolstered by findings from independent studies conducted by organisations such as the Clean Label Project and Consumer Reports. In a recent 2025 study by Consumer Reports, Orgain was identified as containing lead levels that exceeded the organisation’s “level of concern,” with findings indicating 143% of that threshold in a single serving.
Moreover, the Clean Label Project tested around 165 popular protein powder brands and discovered elevated levels of arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury in numerous products, raising additional alarms about the safety of such supplements. Given the growing concerns regarding the safety of protein powders and their effects on consumer health, this lawsuit may further catalyse scrutiny within the industry.
Potential health risks associated with long-term exposure to heavy metals, such as lead, can be severe. Symptoms of lead poisoning include elevated blood pressure, joint and muscle pain, cognitive difficulties, headaches, and reproductive issues, among others, as verified by the Mayo Clinic.
As of now, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not issued any recall of Orgain protein powder products. This inaction could lead to heightened scrutiny on the formulation and marketing practices surrounding dietary supplements as public awareness increases regarding the potential hazards linked to the consumption of certain health products.
For further insight into the case, PEOPLE has attempted to reach out to both the legal representatives of the plaintiffs and spokespersons for both Costco and Orgain. The outcome of this lawsuit could set significant precedents relating to consumer safety, corporate responsibility, and the efficacy of nutritional supplements in the market today.