The Genius Brand
After testing products from Pacific Northwest Naturals LLC, individually and dba The Genius Brand and Catalyst Nutraceuticals, LLC. (The Genius Brand), We found eleven products that we allege violate Proposition 65 regarding heavy metal contamination. Below is the timeline of events of the case between ERC and The Genius Brand.
NOTICE I
On February 2, 2024, the Environmental Research Center filed a Notice of Violation of California Law Proposition 65, against The Genius Brand.
In this action, ERC alleges that three specific products, manufactured, distributed, or sold by The Genius Brand, contain lead, a chemical listed under Proposition 65 as a carcinogen and reproductive toxin, and expose consumers to levels requiring a Proposition 65 warning.
The products under investigation are:
The Genius Brand Genius Vegan Protein Vegan Muscle Building Fuel Chocolate - Lead
The Genius Brand Genius Pre Mind-to-Muscle Pre Workout Powerhouse Grape Limeade - Lead
The Genius Brand Genius Consciousness Super Nootropic Awakening Formula Watermelon - Lead
NOTICE II
On July 26, 2024, the Environmental Research Center filed a Notice of Violation of California Law Proposition 65, against The Genius Brand.
In this action, ERC alleges that four specific products, manufactured, distributed, or sold by The Genius Brand, contain lead, a chemical listed under Proposition 65 as a carcinogen and reproductive toxin, and expose consumers to levels requiring a Proposition 65 warning.
The products under investigation are:
The Genius Brand Genius Protein Dual Protein Formula for Lean Muscle Growth & Recovery Vanilla - Lead
The Genius Brand Genius Test Advanced Testosterone Optimization Complex - Lead
The Genius Brand Genius Protein Dual Protein Formula for Lean Muscle Growth & Recovery Chocolate - Lead
The Genius Brand Genius Muscle Supports Muscular Health, Growth and Performance Salted Caramel - Lead
NOTICE III
On October 11, 2024, the Environmental Research Center filed a Notice of Violation of California Law Proposition 65, against The Genius Brand.
In this action, ERC alleges that three specific products, manufactured, distributed, or sold by The Genius Brand, contain lead, a chemical listed under Proposition 65 as a carcinogen and reproductive toxin, and expose consumers to levels requiring a Proposition 65 warning.
The products under investigation are:
The Genius Brand Brilliant Brew Coffee Alternative Cocoa - Lead
The Genius Brand Genius Pre Mind-to-Muscle Pre Workout Powerhouse Sour Cherry - Lead
The Genius Brand Genius Greens Superfood Nutrition for Mind & Body – Lead
NOTICE IV
On February 26, 2025, the Environmental Research Center filed a Notice of Violation of California Law Proposition 65, against The Genius Brand.
In this action, ERC alleges that one specific product manufactured, distributed, or sold by The Genius Brand, contains lead, a chemical listed under Proposition 65 as a carcinogen and reproductive toxin, and exposes consumers to levels requiring a Proposition 65 warning.
The product under investigation is:
The Genius Brand Genius Vegan Protein Vegan Muscle Building Fuel Chocolate - Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA)
Settlement
A settlement was reached on May 21, 2025. In full satisfaction of all potential civil penalties, additional settlement payments, attorney's fees, and costs, The Genius Brand shall pay $125,000.00 in total.
Injunctive Relief:
Beginning on the Compliance Date, The Genius Brand 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 Product that exposes a person to a "Daily Lead Exposure Level" of more than 0.5 micrograms of lead per day and, with respect to the PFOA Covered Product only, any detectable level of PFOA unless it meets the warning requirements under Section 3.2.
If you want to read the Genius Brand settlement, click here.
