OWYN
Below is the timeline of events of the case between ERC and OWYN.
Notice of Violation I
On January 8, 2020, Environmental Research Center filed a Notice of Violation of California Law Proposition 65, against Halen Brands, Inc. and Only What You Need, Inc., both dba OWYN.
In this action, ERC alleges that nine specific products manufactured, distributed, or sold by OWYN contain lead, a chemical listed under Proposition 65 as a carcinogen and reproductive toxin, and expose consumers to lead at a level requiring a Proposition 65 warning. It is also alleged that one of these products (listed below in italics) also contains cadmium, another chemical listed under Proposition 65 as a carcinogen and reproductive toxin.
These products are:
OWYN Only What You Need Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough 100% Plant-Based Bar
OWYN Only What You Need Chocolate Chip, Cranberry 100% Plant-Based Bar
OWYN Only What You Need Plant-Based Drink Strawberry Banana
OWYN Only What You Need 100% Plant Protein Powder Dark Chocolate
OWYN Only What You Need Plant-Based Drink Dark Chocolate
OWYN Only What You Need Plant-Based Drink Cold Brew Coffee
OWYN Only What You Need Plant-Based Drink Smooth Vanilla
OWYN Only What You Need 100% Plant Protein Powder Smooth Vanilla
OWYN Only What You Need Ginger, Turmeric 100% Plant-Based Bar
Notice of Violation II
On March 19, 2020, Environmental Research Center filed a Notice of Violation of California Law Proposition 65, against Halen Brands, Inc. and Only What You Need, Inc., both dba OWYN.
In this action, ERC alleges that three specific additional products manufactured, distributed, or sold by OWYN contain lead, a chemical listed under Proposition 65 as a carcinogen and reproductive toxin, and expose consumers to lead at a level requiring a Proposition 65 warning.
These products are:
Owyn Only What You Need Plant Based Drink Cookies n' Cream
Owyn Meal Replacement Shake Chocolate
Owyn Only What You Need Plant-Based Drink Turmeric Golden Mylk
Civil Complaint
On July 9, 2020, the Environmental Research Center filed a Civil Complaint against Halen Brands, Inc. individually and dba OWYN, Only What You Need, Inc. individually and dba OWYN. To view the full civil complaint, click here.
Type of Claim:
Failure to Warn
Relief Sought:
Warning
Civil Penalty
Settlement
A settlement was reached with OWYN on March 19, 2021. In full satisfaction of all potential civil penalties, additional settlement payments, attorney's fees, and costs, OWYN shall make a total payment of $200,000.00.
Injunctive Relief:
Beginning on the Effective Date, Defendants shall be permanently enjoined from manufacturing for sale in the State of California, "Distributing into the State of California," or directly selling in the State of California, any Covered Products which expose a person to a "Daily Lead Exposure Level" of more than 0.5 micrograms of lead per day and/or "Daily Cadmium Exposure Level" of more than 4.1 micrograms of cadmium per day unless they meet the warning requirements under Section 3.2.
If you want to read the FULL OWYN's settlement, including corrective action, click here.