We recommend consuming the kernels as they are from the bag. We cannot speak to how they grow because we do not recommend this

Why is there a lead warning on the package?

Thank you for reaching out in regards to the Prop 65 sticker found on Organic Traditions Superfoods. The warning label you see pertains specifically to a bylaw exclusive to California known as Proposition 65, which has been in effect since 1986, and pertains to monitoring food and drinking water. Under its wing, over 800 chemicals, compounds, and elements (such as heavy metals) are listed. In California, all food distributors who sell within the state must be in compliance with this bylaw. As our online stores, and big chain distributors may send products to California, we include the label on any items sold through these channels. This is why a product you have purchased has this state-exclusive label on it, even though you may not reside in California. I have included a link regarding the California bill for your reference. ( https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/about-proposition-65 ). California requires manufacturers to post a warning for any of the chemicals/elements listed by the bill, including trace amounts, low levels, and naturally occurring quantities. These threshold levels are unique to California. As our products are outdoors, regardless of being organically farmed, they can be exposed to trace amounts of heavy metals, minerals, compounds and elements present in the earth as well as rainwater that nourishes the plant. These trace substances are naturally occurring, and also are present in all soil and water sources globally. These amounts are minuscule, and all of our products undergo lab analysis to ensure such. Our products are tested for heavy metals, various pesticides/herbicides, and are certified USDA Organic. These analyses are used to obtain our Eco-Cert, USDA Organic, and Kosher certifications and are items deemed safe via FDA standards. In August of 2018, there was an amendment to the bylaw as to how the warning label is presented on products. You may begin to see this label more frequently as companies comply accordingly. The bylaw dictates the way the label is worded and the verbiage you see on the warning labeling regarding harm is mandated (word for word) by the bill. There are no chemicals or heavy metals added to or in our products, and the contents within the package are the same high quality, organic ingredients that they have always been. The California Office of Environmental Health itself states that: “A Proposition 65 warning does not necessarily mean a product is in violation of any product-safety standards or requirements.”