Facts

Richin Trading, Inc. is a California corporation that distributes and sells Dried Anchovies and Black Fungus products in California, among other food products. Lead and lead compounds are known to California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Cadmium and Cadmium Compounds are known to California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. On June 10, 2020, the Consumer Advocacy Group, Inc. brought an action on behalf of itself and in the interest of the public for civil penalties and injunctive relief against Richin Trading, Inc. for violation of Proposition 65. No other public enforcer has commenced or diligently prosecuted the allegations in the complaint.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: Plaintiff alleged that defendants violated Proposition 65 by failing to give clear and reasonable warnings of exposure to lead and cadmium from their Dried Anchovies and Black Fungus products. Further, plaintiff maintained the defendants knew or should have known that the products they sold and distributed in California contained dangerous levels of lead and cadmium.

DEFENDANTS' CONTENTIONS: Defendants denied all contentions.

Result

$200,000 settlement.