Nearly half of some of the most popular protein powders have levels of heavy metals like lead that exceed government food safety regulations, a consumer safety nonprofit said in its report Thursday. Why it matters: No level of lead exposure is safe,

Protein powders may contain high levels of lead and cadmium, with chocolate-flavored and plant-based products testing at the highest levels, a new report said.

The report found that 77% of plant-based protein powders, 79% of organic protein powders and 65% of chocolate-flavored protein powders tested over California Proposition 65 safety thresholds for toxic metals.

The FDA has set maximum levels for lead in baby food. A new California law requires baby food makers selling products in the state to disclose levels of four heavy metals.

The agency issued final guidance that it estimated could reduce lead exposure from processed baby foods by about 20% to 30%. The limits are voluntary, not mandatory, for food manufacturers, but they allow the FDA to take enforcement action if foods exceed the levels.

The Food and Drug Administration put guidelines in place to curb the amount of lead in baby food, but some like one Illinois congressman say more should be done.