🔥 Trending Costco Faces Lawsuit Over Heavy Metals in Orgain Protein Powder

A class-action lawsuit has been filed against Costco Wholesale Corporation, alleging that the retailer knowingly sold Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder products contaminated with toxic heavy metals without disclosing this risk to consumers ³⁵. The lawsuit was filed on July 7, 2026, by consumers in Seattle ²³.

Key Allegations

The core of the lawsuit centers on the claim that Costco violated the Washington Consumer Protection Act by failing to warn consumers about the presence of heavy metals in the Orgain protein powder products it sold ¹. Specifically, the lawsuit alleges the presence of lead, cadmium, and arsenic in the protein powder ².

Basis of the Claims

The plaintiffs in the lawsuit cite lab tests and reports from Consumer Reports as evidence of the contamination ². An October 2025 Consumer Reports test of Orgain's vanilla bean protein powder reportedly found that it exceeded its "level of concern" for lead, with lead levels identified at 143% of this concern level. Consumer Reports classified this product as "okay to eat occasionally" ⁴.

Parties Involved

• Plaintiffs: Consumers who purchased Orgain protein powder from Costco ³⁷. The lawsuit was brought by legal firm Hagens Berman ³⁵.
• Defendant: Costco Wholesale Corporation ³.
• Product in Question: Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder, specifically mentioned is the vanilla bean flavor ⁴.

Implications for Consumers

The lawsuit highlights that many consumers use protein powder routinely as part of their health and fitness regimens ⁷⁸. The legal action seeks to inform consumers who purchased Orgain protein powder from Costco about the lawsuit and their consumer rights ⁷⁸. The plaintiffs argue that Costco's alleged failure to disclose the heavy metal contamination puts the health of these consumers at risk ³.