Environmental Research Center, Inc. ("ERC") is a non-profit corporation organized under California's Non-Profit Public Benefit Corporation Law, whose mission is to safeguard the public from health hazards that impact families, workers, and the environment.

ERC is dedicated to reducing the use and misuse of hazardous and toxic substances. On a mission to safeguard the public from health hazards that impact families, workers, and the environment, The Environmental Research Center was established in 2009 under the leadership of Executive Director, Chris Heptinstall. Environmental Research Center (ERC) advocates on behalf of the public by creating awareness to manufacturers concerning the hazardous substances present in their products.

It is not only the goal of ERC to create awareness for manufacturers but also to facilitate the appropriate changes to products in violation by reformulating or providing warning labels on product packaging to better assist consumers 'on the floor' in making more informed decisions. Through independent lab testing of meal replacement and dietary supplement products, ERC monitors many products on the market today. Although ERC focuses primarily on nutrition products in the form of capsules, tablets, and powders, concerned citizens are encouraged to contact us to inquire about any and all products they may have questions about.

Working to ensure that wellness products are free of heavy metals

What We Do

  • If you received a Notice of Violation (NOV) from Environmental Research Center, Inc. (ERC), then the product(s) listed on the NOV have been tested by an accredited laboratory and ERC contends your products are in violation of Proposition 65.

    You can view your company’s Notice of Violation on the California Attorney Generals website.

    ERC wants to work with your company to reach a quick resolution of this matter and to ensure your products are compliant with State law.

    Please call ERC’s Executive Director Chris Heptinstall at 619-500-3090 or email us.

  • Voluntary Compliance Program

    Frequently, ERC's testing of products results in exposures of lead or other toxic chemicals that slightly exceed the levels acceptable under Proposition 65, but ERC declines to pursue legal action. ERC contacts the company to notify them of the detection and then collaborates with the companies to encourage the company to reevaluate the levels of toxins in all of its products. ERC initiates dialog with these companies, shares the results of their laboratory testing, and offers guidance in various alternative compliance remedies.

    A more collaborative approach in these cases generally accomplishes the goals of Proposition 65, protects the citizens of California and the public at large, while at the same time encourages companies to take a more proactive approach in product testing.

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