Centralization Sought for Huel Lawsuits Over Heavy Metals in Protein Powder

Motion calls for five class action lawsuits to be consolidated in the Eastern District of New York over claims that the manufacturer misled consumers about Huel protein powder safety.

A woman who has filed a Huel protein powder class action lawsuit due to potential lead exposure has petitioned a panel of federal judges to consolidate similar claims before one judge for coordinated pretrial proceedings.

In October, a Consumer Reports article revealed that Huel Black Edition Vegan Protein Powder, along with more than 70% of all protein supplements tested, contained dangerously high lead levels, which could lead to a number of serious adverse health effects. The highest levels of lead were found in plant-based powders, like Huel and Naked Nutrition, which contained more than 1,200% of the recommended safe level for lead.

Independent testing of Huel Black Edition revealed 6.3 micrograms of lead and 9.2 micrograms of cadmium per serving, which exceeds federal and public health limits by more than tenfold. As a result of these findings, Consumer Reports classified the protein powder as a “product to avoid.”

Lead Exposure Health Risks

Lead is a toxic heavy metal known to cause permanent brain damage and other health problems, particularly in children whose bodies and nervous systems are still developing. Since symptoms are not always immediately apparent, exposure can often go unnoticed until significant harm has occurred.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and other health experts warn that no amount of lead is safe for children, noting that even low levels can lead to issues such as fatigue, muscle pain, constipation, tremors, trouble focusing and changes in brain structure.

Lead exposure concerns have plagued a number of products in recent years, especially when they potentially impact children. Last year, federal health officials reported there were more than 500 cases of lead poisoning linked to recalled applesauce pouches that were contaminated with lead-tainted cinnamon.

In addition, several major baby food product recalls have been issued in recent years due to lead contamination concerns, which have sparked a series of toxic baby food lawsuits against companies like Gerber, Beech-Nut and others, alleging that the manufacturers failed to properly test their products or warn consumers about the risks of contamination. 

Each complaint alleges that parents unknowingly fed their children baby food products contaminated with lead and other heavy metals, leading to the development of autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). 

On December 22, Sylvia Settecasi filed a motion for transfer (PDF) with the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML), seeking to have her class action complaint consolidated with four other claims in the Eastern District of New York for coordinated discovery and pretrial proceedings, given the common issues of fact and law represented in all of the cases.

The five Huel protein powder lawsuits are currently filed in four different federal districts under four different judges, the motion notes. All involve claims that Huel protein powder was deceptively and misleadingly advertised because the manufacturer failed to warn consumers that it was contaminated by heavy metals, like lead and cadmium.

In complex consumer product litigation, where large numbers of claims may be filed by users of the same product who suffered similar injuries or damages, it is common for the JPML to centralize the cases. Centralization is intended to reduce duplicative discovery on shared issues, avoid conflicting pretrial rulings, and promote efficiency for witnesses and parties involved in the litigation.

If a Huel protein powder lawsuit multidistrict litigation (MDL) is established and the parties fail to negotiate a Huel protein powder lawsuit settlement or reach another resolution, each individual claim may be later remanded back to the U.S. District Court where it was originally filed for trial.

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