Although it was years ago, I still remember the moment vividly.
I was getting ready to start my day and had just brewed some of my favorite tea before sitting down at my work desk and opening up my browser. On the landing page, a news headline caught my eye. It read something along the lines of: “Is your favorite tea contaminated with lead?” The article that followed was brief, yet jarring.
While I don’t remember exactly what the article said, I can clearly recall how it made me feel.
My face flushed, my hands started to shake, and my heart began pounding in my chest (clear signs that my nervous system had gone on high alert!). I looked over at my cup of tea, a cozy staple in my morning routine, and wondered: “Is it true? Could this really be poison?!”
I spent the next hour frantically reviewing the article, digging through the studies it cited, and reading more on the topic – only to realize I had little worry about.
Even as a Registered Dietitian, in that moment I’d fallen for some classic fear-based, attention-grabbing headlines that ultimately weren’t news at all.
I’m Glad You’re Here!
I’m Christy, a Registered Dietitian passionate about helping folks explore the stories we tell ourselves about food and gently reconnect with the wisdom of our own bodies. I especially enjoy working with queer and trans folks, neurodivergent individuals, and anyone who’s felt sidelined by mainstream food and diet advice.
Disclaimer: While I am a Registered Dietitian (also known as “Registered Dietitian Nutritionist”), I am not your Registered Dietitian or familiar with your specific medical history. This content is for educational purposes only and is not professional or medical advice.
In this blog, we’ll talk more about why these fear-based headlines are so common and how they can communicate alarming, inaccurate, and biased messages (intentionally or not). We’ll also explore the recent coverage of lead contamination in protein powder and its implications for consumers. Before we get into all of that, let’s step back and look at the bigger picture: why heavy-metal contamination is such a big ongoing topic, and why it’s likely here to stay.
Check Point: If you find the topic of food contamination particularly anxiety-provoking, or have a history of OCD or OCD tendencies, I invite you to check in on how you’re feeling. If this topic is particularly activating or distressing, consider pausing here and working with a mental health clinician and dietitian for additional support and guidance.
We are Inextricably Intertwined with the Earth
I’ll start with the bad news: The quality of the food we eat is deeply connected to the health of our environment. Overuse of pesticides and fertilizers in agriculture can leave residues in the soil that are absorbed by crops. Industrial air pollution doesn’t just stay in the sky – heavy metals and other particles can settle onto plants. Even our water supply can carry risks: chemical runoff from farms or factories can introduce contaminants that reach our food supply.
“When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe”
-John Muir
Clean Eating is a Myth
The thought of “clean eating” might invite imagery of fresh salads, organic fruits, and locally-sourced produce. The idea of simply consuming wholesome, unprocessed foods has been perpetuated by diet culture as the key to a healthy lifestyle.
The idea of “clean eating” is appealing, but in reality, no food comes from a perfectly pure environment. The impact of industrial and agricultural activities means crops and livestock may be exposed to contaminants long before they reach our plates.
Thinking Beyond Individual Solutions
The good news is we can make a difference. Hold my hand and we’ll say this together: Reducing food contamination requires protecting the environment that produces it.
There are absolutely steps we can take to reduce our personal exposure and risk (keep reading to the end!). While choosing specific products or sources may help reduce personal exposure of lead or other heavy metal contamination, the broader solution lies in systems-level protections.
Healthy soil, clean air, and safe water benefit all humans, and every other living being that shares the Earth with us as our home.
Instead of pursuing a “perfect” or “clean” food, it may be worthwhile to direct efforts to making informed choices, supporting sustainable practices, and advocating for policies and protections that improve the safety and health of our shared food supply.
Unpacking Fear Based Media Messaging
Many media outlets rely on fear-based messaging to grab attention and engage audiences. Whether it’s sensationalized headlines about the latest food trends or scare tactics about the dangers of certain ingredients, fear-based messaging can trigger anxiety for many consumers (myself included!) – it’s simply what it’s designed to do.
It’s important to be aware of these tactics and to know how to spot fear-based messages before they hijack our nervous systems!
Affirmations When Headlines Feel Scary
Here are some gentle affirmations for moments of anxiety, dysregulation, or intrusive thoughts after reading scary or sensational headlines:
- I am safe in this moment
- It’s okay to step away from alarming stories
- Reading something frightening doesn’t mean I am in danger
- I can observe this thought without believing it
- Food safety systems are imperfect, but they are designed to reduce harm, not cause it
- I don’t need perfection; small, informed choices are enough
Protein Powder
Recently, protein powder made headlines due to lead contamination concerns. There’s a lot to say about this, and I’ve included a video below from @hydroxide.foodscience who summarized it so well:
Or click here for the instagram link.
Third Party Verification or Certification:
In general, supplements like protein powders aren’t subject to the same regulations as food products. That can be a problem, because there’s no guarantee that the contents of a supplement actually contain what’s advertised on the label. This can be a challenge for consumers, and a risk for athletes who may need to take extra precautions against contamination to meet anti-doping standards.
Fortunately, there are several organizations that have stepped in to address this need. “Third Party Certification” (or “Verification”) programs usually consist of an independent laboratory that regularly tests supplement contents for purity and label accuracy. They typically verify that the producer of the supplement adheres to Good Manufacturing Practices, or “GMPs.”
One of the most robust certification programs is “NSF” or “NSF Sport.” Click here to read more about NSF Sport’s process and impact.
Of course, there are many other third-party verification organizations. Read Dr. Grant Tinsley’s review of common third-party testing organizations.
Supplement producers need to pay to have their products reviewed by one of these agencies, and because of that, they may be more expensive to purchase. The verification seal is typically present somewhere on the supplement label.
Not sure how to select quality, third-party verified products? Work with a dietitian who can help find quality options tailored to your needs!
California’s Proposition 65
Before we continue, let’s talk about California’s Proposition 65, which includes a very large list of chemicals and sets warning thresholds far lower than typical federal safety limits. That’s because the law is designed to be precautionary, or informative, rather than a traditional risk-based safety regulation(1). The list is *very* long as a result of this!
Did you know CA Prop 65 warnings do not require businesses to do any testing (2)? As a result, many businesses may choose to add warnings to their products, rather than test or reformulate their products.
“Better safe than sorry!”
– what I imagine their lawyers say
Although CA Prop 65 may be well-intended, one downside is that warnings everywhere can cause warning fatigue. When we become accustomed or desensitized to these warnings, it may feel like they’ve lost their meaning.
Bias in Nutrition Media Messaging
How much bias is there in nutrition news media messaging?
Let’s talk about different forms of bias that may occur with sensational nutrition headlines – I’ve covered just a few below, but there are plenty more out there! In this blog, “bias” refers to mental shortcuts our brains, influencers, or media might make when interpreting complex nutrition information. Let’s start with an example that often plays out in nutrition media:
The Formula: A study reports that Product A contains X ingredient/contaminant. As a result, consumers begin avoiding Brand A and switch to another option, Product B.
An Example: Researchers conduct a study testing plant protein powders and find that several contain high levels of lead. Concerned by these headlines, consumers switch to whey protein powders or avoid protein powders entirely.
Selection Bias
Selection bias occurs when the sample does not accurately represent the group being studied.
In the example above, if researchers only tested plant protein powders that were not third-party tested, the results may not reflect the contamination risk of all plant protein powders. Third-party tested products may have different contamination risks, but they were excluded from the study. As a result, consumers, influencers, or media outlets may incorrectly conclude that all plant protein powders are unsafe or contaminated, even though the study was limited and cannot support that conclusion.
Availability Bias
As a result of availability bias, many people tend to overestimate the danger of flying, because dramatic, highly publicised plane crashes are easier to recall than safe flights.
In our media landscape, negative food headlines may generate more clicks and engagement than positive headlines. When I think back to the tea contamination article at the start of this post, I’m certain I wouldn’t have clicked on an article titled “benefits of drinking tea!” In the above example, consumers may focus on the available information (the negative findings about plant protein) and think, “I heard something bad about plant protein, so whey must be better,” even if there’s no evidence.
Confirmation Bias
Confirmation bias is the tendency to search for information that confirms one’s pre-existing beliefs. If consumers already believe plant protein is inferior or that whey protein is superior, they might more easily interpret the study as confirming their belief, even if the data or information is incomplete or inaccurate. Basically, if it’s confirming what we already believe, we’re less likely to question it!
Reporting Bias or Publication Bias
Finally, let’s talk about publication bias! This occurs when studies with notable findings (ex: contamination in a well-known brand or food product) get published or media attention, while neutral results or untested brands receive no coverage. This may create the impression that foods are frequently unsafe, when in reality, products that pass all testing standards are less likely to be reported on.
When studies with negative or dramatic findings get more attention than comforting or reassuring results, it can distort our perception of risk. Learning how to spot these types of bias in nutrition reporting can help us be mindful of the messages we’re exposed to and how we respond to them.
Reviewing the Options
Okay, we’ve talked about how food contamination expands beyond the individual/consumer level, CA Prop 65, and just a few ways nutrition information and research can be easily misconstrued. The good news is that we can make a difference, both individually and collectively. Included below are a few ideas of how to reduce contamination risk and protect the soil, water, and air that nourish us:
- Third-Party Verification: As discussed earlier, choosing third-party verified supplements, when accessible, can add an extra layer of quality assurance.
- Don’t put all your eggs in one basket: Instead of avoiding one specific food or relying heavily on another, eating a variety of foods from different sources is key. Consuming a wide variety of foods from different sources supports a balanced diet and helps minimize potential exposure from any single food.
- Choose reputable sources: If it’s accessible for you, consider supporting local or ethically-sourced options, or selecting food products from regions with strong environmental protections.
- Sustainable Living: Look for ways to reduce carbon footprints, minimize waste, and conserve resources through conscious daily choices. Click here for a quick list of ideas to support sustainable living. Some enjoy incorporating a plant-based eating pattern to reduce their carbon footprint. Read my blog exploring plant-based eating patterns here.
- Environmental Advocacy: Contaminated soil, water, and air don’t conform to regional borders or policies. Getting involved in environmental advocacy efforts and supporting environmental protection policies can support long-lasting change. This may include stronger environmental regulations, safer agricultural practices, and investment in clean water infrastructure.
Since my run-in with the tea contamination article, I’ve learned that ultimately, it wasn’t anything to panic about. Still, it’s a good idea to rotate sources and support food producers engaging in responsible practices, when possible.
A fun fact: I’ve since learned of tea producers that conduct additional quality testing to reduce heavy-metal exposure in their products!
It’s time to move away from the myth of clean eating and focus on building a more equitable and environmentally-conscious food environment. Every step we take – whether making informed choices, voting for environmental policies, or incorporating a sustainable lifestyle – helps contribute to a food system and environment that will nourish generations to come.
References
- I just bought a consumer product that has a Proposition 65 warning. Is it unsafe?
- What kind of testing does a business have to do to determine if a warning is required?
Christy is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist specializing in metabolic health, nutrition education, and disordered eating recovery. They provide inclusive, evidence-based nutrition support for folks with neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, and multicultural identities. Christy has lived in several Asian countries, and speaks Cantonese and conversational Mandarin.
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