Intro
If you sell products in California, you can’t ignore Proposition 65. The law requires businesses to warn consumers about exposure to chemicals that may cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm.
Missing this requirement isn’t just risky — it can lead to lawsuits, fines, and products being pulled from the market. In this article, we’ll explain what Prop 65 is, how labels must appear, and the most common mistakes businesses make.
What is Prop 65?
First, let’s cover the basics.
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Passed in 1986, Prop 65 requires warnings for products that contain any of over 900 listed chemicals.
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It applies to a wide range of industries, from food and consumer goods to electronics and furniture.
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In addition, even trace amounts of listed substances may trigger the requirement.
👉 For a broader look at compliance overall, see our Complete Guide to Product Label Compliance.
Font Size, Placement & Wording
However, Prop 65 isn’t vague — it has specific rules for how warnings must appear.
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Font size: Must be at least as large as other consumer information.
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Placement: Warning must be visible at the point of purchase.
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Wording: “Safe harbor” language must be used exactly as written by the state.
Therefore, if you try to modify the wording or shrink the font, your label may not be compliant.
(California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment – Prop 65)
Examples of Prop 65 Warnings
For example:
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Consumer goods: “⚠️ WARNING: This product can expose you to [chemical], which is known to the State of California to cause cancer.”
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Food & beverage: Special rules apply for alcohol, acrylamide, and other food-based risks.
As a result, businesses must adjust their labels carefully based on product category.
Common Mistakes Businesses Make
In addition to misunderstanding the wording, many companies fail for other reasons:
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Using language that doesn’t match the state’s “safe harbor” text.
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Printing warnings too small to read.
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Hiding warnings on the back or under flaps.
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Forgetting online sales — Prop 65 also applies to e-commerce product listings.
Why Prop 65 Matters
Finally, it’s important to understand why Prop 65 matters so much. Even businesses outside California are affected if they sell into the state. With lawsuits being a common enforcement method, Prop 65 compliance protects your business from costly legal action.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, Prop 65 labeling is about protecting both consumers and businesses. By making sure your labels use the right language, size, and placement, you can stay compliant and focus on growth.
👉 At San Diego Label, we help California businesses apply Prop 65 correctly — so you avoid lawsuits and keep your products on shelves.