The News
Meghan Markle Faces Backlash Over Controversial Coffee Brand
Meghan Markle is in hot water after concerns were raised about her coffee brand, Clever Blends, which allegedly contains high levels of lead.
This toxic metal poses serious health risks, prompting scrutiny over the safety of the products she has been promoting.
The California District Attorney has issued a 60-day notice of violation to Clever Blends for failing to adequately inform consumers about the presence of lead in its offerings.
According to reports from tabloid magazine Star, the notice reveals that Clever Blends received multiple shipments of oat milk powder from a supplier located in Xinjiang, China.
This region has been linked to serious human rights violations, including forced labor and torture, affecting over a million Muslims.
The supplier, Xinjiang Haiyan International Trade, is situated alarmingly close to suspected detention centers.
The oat milk powder, an essential ingredient in Clever Blends' popular powdered superlatte mixes, was found to contain lead and lead compounds.
These substances are notorious for causing birth defects and reproductive harm, raising significant health concerns for consumers.
The notice emphasizes that Clever Blends has violated Proposition 65, a California law mandating clear warnings about exposure to harmful chemicals.
In addition to the warning about lead, the notice criticizes Clever Blends for inadequate testing and quality control measures.
It accuses the company of misleading consumers by claiming its products were ethically sourced and transparent, a claim that now appears questionable at best.
As a result of these violations, the notice demands that Clever Blends cease sales in California immediately.
Moreover, the company faces hefty financial penalties, potentially up to $2,500 per day for each violation.
If Clever Blends does not comply within the specified 60-day period, the California district attorney may escalate the situation by filing a lawsuit.
This could lead to further legal repercussions, including injunctive relief and restitution.
This controversy comes at a challenging time for Markle, who announced her investment in Clever Blends last December.
Since stepping back from royal duties alongside Prince Harry, she has positioned herself as a champion of female entrepreneurs and wellness initiatives.
Notably, Oprah Winfrey even endorsed Clever Blends, calling it a passion project that supports women-led businesses.
However, this situation has ignited accusations of hypocrisy against Markle.
Critics argue that her involvement with Clever Blends contradicts her advocacy for human rights and social justice.
The connection to a company sourcing ingredients from a region notorious for human rights abuses has raised eyebrows and led to questions about her awareness and intentions.
Markle's critics have also pointed fingers at what they perceive as opportunism.
They allege that she has leveraged her royal connections to secure lucrative deals with major media platforms like Netflix and Spotify, all while distancing herself from the British public.
This juxtaposition of her public persona and business dealings has fueled a narrative of greed and ignorance.
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