California's Environmental Research Center

## What are they?

On a mission to safeguard the public from health hazards that impact families, workers, and the environment, The Environmental Research Center was established in 2009 under the leadership of Executive Director, Chris Heptinstall. Environmental Research Center (ERC) advocates on behalf of the public by creating awareness to manufacturers concerning the hazardous substances present in their products. It is not only the goal of ERC to create awareness for manufacturers but also to facilitate the appropriate changes to products in violation by reformulating or providing warning labels on product packaging to better assist consumers 'on the floor' in making more informed decisions. Through independent lab testing of meal replacement and dietary supplement products, ERC monitors many products on the market today. Although ERC focuses primarily on nutrition products in the form of capsules, tablets, and powders, concerned citizens are encouraged to contact us to inquire about any and all products they may have questions about.

Consumer Protection is the highest priority of ERC. As an established nonprofit organization, ERC seeks to promote a culture of informed and educated individuals by providing resources for the researching and testing of dietary supplements and meal replacement products. ERC tests products to ensure the accuracy of product formula and messaging. Catapulting off California’s Proposition 65, which requires a company to notify California residents if products contain above-threshold levels of toxic substances, manufactures are legally obligated to disclose a warning label if product formula contains toxic levels of noted substances in the proposition. Although the remaining 49 states do not currently have restrictions on toxic substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic to name a few. Products in violation are required to contain warning labels or undergo reformulation upon entering into the state of California in order to be compliant with Proposition 65. With a vast array of products on the market along with many emerging daily, ERC maintains a consistent schedule of evaluating, testing, and researching products of concern. If products are found in violation of Prop. 65, ERC provides legal council to bring a quick and effective change.

Product safety is how ERC executes the core mission to safeguard the public from health hazards that impact families, workers, and the environment. Since the passing of Proposition 65 in 1986, progress has been made toward the end goals of reducing hazardous substances in consumable products & emissions, creating awareness of the dangers associated with increased exposure to hazardous chemicals, and advocating for a safe & healthy culture (OEHHA.GOV) . ERC is on a mission to implement the necessary actions to ensure product safety and consumer protection within the dietary supplements/meal replacement industry.

References:

OEHHA.CA.GOV. "Proposition 65 in Plain Language" https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/general-info/proposition-65-plain-language. Retrieved September 9, 2019.

## What is their mission?

Environmental Research Center, Inc. ("ERC") is a non-profit corporation organized under California's Non-Profit Public Benefit Corporation Law, whose mission is to safeguard the public from health hazards that impact families, workers, and the environment.

ERC is dedicated to reducing the use and misuse of hazardous and toxic substances, facilitating a safe environment for consumers and employees, and encouraging corporate responsibility.