California Proposition 65 Warning
WARNING: Consuming distilled spirits, beer, wine, or other alcoholic beverages may increase the risk of cancer, and during pregnancy, may cause birth defects.
For additional information, visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
Why does Split Rock Distilling provide this warning?
At Split Rock Distilling, we are committed to complying with all applicable regulations, including California's Proposition 65. This notice is provided to ensure we meet legal requirements. The presence of a Proposition 65 warning does not necessarily indicate that our products will cause harm. The state of California has clarified that a product displaying this warning is not automatically deemed unsafe. Proposition 65 is more of a "right-to-know" law than a measure of product safety.
For more details, visit California's official Proposition 65 website.
What is Proposition 65?
Proposition 65, also known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, requires businesses to inform Californians about significant exposures to chemicals that can cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. It also aims to protect the state's drinking water from contamination by these harmful chemicals.
The state maintains a list of chemicals known to cause these health risks, which is regularly updated. Businesses that sell products containing any of the chemicals listed under Proposition 65 must provide a clear and reasonable warning to consumers before purchase.
What does this mean for alcoholic beverages?
The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) mandates that manufacturers, distributors, and retailers selling alcoholic beverages to California consumers provide a clear warning prior to purchase. This includes signage in locations such as bars, restaurants, and tasting rooms, where consumers can easily see it.
Because alcoholic beverage labels are regulated by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), which requires a different federal warning, alcoholic beverage manufacturers typically do not include Proposition 65 warnings on their labels.