Clever Blends, a healthcare company in which Meghan Markle has invested and actively endorsed as part of her venture into women-led businesses, recently received a 60-day notice of violation from the California district attorney's office. The notice centers on the brand's failure to adequately inform consumers about the presence of lead in its products. Details obtained by the tabloid magazine Star reveal that Clever Blends received five substantial shipments of oatmeal milk from a supplier located in Jiangxi, China, between October and February.
It's worth noting that this Chinese supplier operates in close proximity to suspected detention centers where over a million Muslims have reportedly endured torture, forced labor, and sterilization under the Chinese government's regime. The powdered milk from this supplier is utilized as an ingredient in Clever Blends' powdered superfood mix, which has been found to contain lead and lead compounds, substances known for their potential to cause birth defects and reproductive harm.
The notice further alleges that Clever Blends violated Prop 65, a California law that mandates businesses to provide transparent and reasonable warnings to consumers regarding potential exposure to chemicals that can lead to cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm. Additionally, Clever Blends faces accusations of failing to conduct sufficient testing and quality control measures to ensure the safety of its products. The brand is also under scrutiny for misleading consumers by claiming that its products have a lawful and transparent origin.
The notice calls upon Clever Blends to halt the sale of its products in California and proposes civil penalties of up to $2,500 per day for each violation. Furthermore, it warns that if Clever Blends fails to comply within the stipulated 60-day period, the California District Attorney's office could initiate legal action against the company, seeking injunctive relief and additional penalties.
This development poses a significant setback for Meghan Markle, who announced her investment in Clever Blends in December, coinciding with her and Prince Harry's decision to distance themselves from the British royal family and relocate to the United States. Markle enlisted the support of media mogul Oprah Winfrey to endorse Clever Blends, presenting it as a passion project advocating for female entrepreneurs and health.
However, Meghan Markle's involvement with Clever Blends has sparked allegations of hypocrisy and greed, as the brand is accused of sourcing ingredients from an area plagued by human rights violations. These developments have raised questions about Markle's commitment to women's rights, human rights, and social justice, especially given her apparent involvement in lucrative deals with media platforms while maintaining a distance from the British royal family and the British public.
