Proposition 65

The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, also known as Proposition 65, was passed in California in 1986. The goal of this legislation is to protect drinking water sources from substances which may cause cancer or birth defects and to reduce or eliminate exposures to those chemicals in consumer products by requiring a warning notifying of the exposure. Each year, the California government publishes a list of chemicals known to the state to cause cancer or birth defects.

CHPA monitors Proposition 65 activities to ensure its members who manufacture, distribute, and sell over-the-counter (OTC) medicines in California remain compliant with all applicable regulations.

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California Prop 65: Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen was chosen for review by OEHHA in part because the Prop 65 regulation emphasizes chemicals with “widespread exposure.” The Carcinogen Identification Committee will review the information on acetaminophen and cancer to determine whether acetaminophen should be listed as a carcinogen under Proposition 65.

Jan 16, 2020

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Proposition 65 (Prop 65) in the States

Imposing Proposition 65 state-level requirements on chemicals actively regulated under federal purview risks duplicative warnings that undermine public trust in national safety determinations. Since the FDA derives allowable limits from the best available science, overriding federal risk-benefit guidelines with California-specific thresholds triggers unnecessary labeling not reflecting real-world exposures from routine product usage shown to be safe.

Browse Proposition 65 Content

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Submission

Letter Regarding Hazard Identification Materials for Acetaminophen

This information is submitted on behalf of CHPA in response to the September 20, 2019 OEHHA notice: Announcement of the Carcinogen Identification Committee Meeting Scheduled for December 5, 2019, Notice of Availability of Hazard Identification Materials for Acetaminophen and Notice of Public Comment Period.

Nov 4, 2019

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Submission

Comments to OEHHA: Prop 65 Labor Code Mechanism

These comments are submitted on behalf of a coalition that represents companies that manufacture, distribute, and sell many of the foods, beverages, OTC medicines, nutritional supplements, and personal care products consumed or used by Californians every day.

Jul 17, 2008

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Submission

Comments to OEHHA: Prop65 Regulatory Update Project, Beneficial Nutrients Regulatory Concept

CHPA does not believe that the Beneficial Nutrients Regulatory Concept is necessary or supportive of the intent of the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986.

Apr 30, 2008

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Submission

Comments to OEHHA: Proposition 65 Prioritization Procedure

Comments on proposed revisions to the Proposition 65 prioritization procedure submitted by the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, Grocery Manufacturers of America, and the National Food Processors Association.

Oct 4, 2004

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Submission

Amicus Brief: Unfair Competition Case

Jul 21, 2003

front view of the california state capitol flanked by trees
Proposition 65 (Prop 65) in the States

Imposing Proposition 65 state-level requirements on chemicals actively regulated under federal purview risks duplicative warnings that undermine public trust in national safety determinations. Since the FDA derives allowable limits from the best available science, overriding federal risk-benefit guidelines with California-specific thresholds triggers unnecessary labeling not reflecting real-world exposures from routine product usage shown to be safe.

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