Zico
After testing products from Zico Rising, Inc., we found 4 products we allege to be in violation of Proposition 65 in regards to heavy metal contamination. Below is the timeline of events of the case between ERC and Zico Rising, Inc. Groundforce Capital Management, LLC, individually and dba Power Plant Partners.
NOTICE I
On January 19, 2024, the Environmental Research Center filed a Notice of Violation of California Law Proposition 65, against Zico Rising, Inc.
In this action, ERC alleges that two specific products, manufactured, distributed, or sold by Zico Rising, Inc., 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:
Zico Natural 100% Coconut Water – Lead
Zico Rapid Hydration Hydrate Coconut Lime Hydration Beverage - Lead
NOTICE II
On February 2, 2024, the Environmental Research Center filed a Notice of Violation of California Law Proposition 65, against Zico Rising, Inc.
In this action, ERC alleges that two specific products, manufactured, distributed, or sold by Zico Rising, Inc., 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:
Zico Plant-Based Chocolate Coconut Water – Lead
Zico Hydrate Rapid Hydration Fruit Punch- Lead
Civil Complaint
On May 22, 2024, the Environmental Research Center filed a Civil Complaint against Zico Rising, Inc. To view the full civil complaint, click here.
Type of Claim:
Failure to Warn
Relief Sought:
Warning
Civil Penalty
Settlement
A settlement was reached on September 6, 2024. In full satisfaction of all potential civil penalties, additional settlement payments, attorney's fees, and costs, Zico Rising, Inc., Groundforce Capital Managment, LLC, dba Powerplant Partners, shall pay $150,000.00 in total.
Injunctive Relief:
Beginning on the Compliance Date, Zico 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 unless it meets the warning requirements under Section 32.
If you want to read the Zico settlement, click here.
