AHPA Supports Prop 65 Amendment

WASHINGTONThe American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) has officially backed a proposed amendment to California's Proposition 65.

AHPA's board of trustees has voted to support legislation that California Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles) introduced in February. The bill would give businesses 14 days to cure violations of The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1996 (commonly referred to as Proposition 65) without being subject to fines.

"AHPA is formally endorsing this amendment to Proposition 65 as a common-sense approach to enforcing the law," said Michael McGuffin, AHPA president, in a statement. "And while Assemblyman Gatto's proposal was written with retail establishments in his district in mind, it may also provide a better way for food and supplement manufacturers that sell products in the state to provide warnings when these are required."

Gatto said his bill will help small businesses avoid the expenses of litigation under a law that was intended to shield Californians from harmful chemicals. Some plaintiff's lawyers have been criticized for seeking to exploit Proposition 65, which requires disclosures if consumer goods, foods and dietary supplements contain carcinogens or reproductive toxicants that exceed specified limits.