It has been disclosed that Cleaver Blend received multiple shipments of oatmeal milk from a supplier located in Xinjiang, China, between October and February. Notably, Xinjiang is an area associated with severe human rights violations, including forced labor, torture, and sterilization by the Chinese government. Oat milk powder from this region was used as an ingredient in Cleaver Blend's super latte power mix, which was found to contain lead and lead compounds, known to be harmful, particularly to reproductive health.
The violation notice alleges that Cleaver Blend violated Proposition 65, a California law that mandates businesses to provide clear and reasonable warnings to consumers about potential exposure to chemicals that can cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm. Additionally, the notice contends that Cleaver Blend did not conduct sufficient testing and quality control to ensure the safety of its products and may have misled customers by claiming that its ingredients came from legal and transparent sources.
As a consequence of this notice, Cleaver Blend is required to cease selling its products in California and may face civil penalties of up to $2,500 per day for each violation. Furthermore, if Cleaver Blend fails to comply within the stipulated 60-day period, the California District Attorney has the option to initiate legal action against the company, potentially seeking injunctive relief and additional penalties.
This development poses a significant setback for Meghan Markle, who had announced her investment in Cleaver Blend in December following her and Prince Harry's decision to step away from the British royal family and relocate to the United States. Meghan had actively endorsed the brand, even enlisting Oprah Winfrey's support. She portrayed Cleaver Blend as a passion project dedicated to supporting female entrepreneurs and promoting health.
However, Meghan's association with Cleaver Blend has opened her up to accusations of hypocrisy and greed. Critics argue that her involvement with a company allegedly sourcing ingredients from an area with egregious human rights violations, coupled with the potential health risks to consumers, contradicts her public image as an advocate for women's rights, human rights, and social justice. Moreover, Meghan has faced allegations of exploiting her royal status and connections to secure lucrative deals with media platforms like Netflix and Spotify while distancing herself from the British royal family and the public.
