Celtic Sea Salt: Lawsuit Alleges Lead and Arsenic Contamination

Case Overview: A new class action lawsuit is raising concerns about the safety of Celtic Sea Salt, alleging the presence of lead and arsenic contamination.

Consumers Affected: Consumers in the U.S. who purchased Celtic Sea Salt products.

Court: U.S. District Court for the Central District of California

A new lawsuit claims that Celtic Ocean International, LLC—the company behind Celtic Sea Salt—has been selling salt products tainted with dangerous levels of lead and arsenic while misleading consumers with claims of quality and health benefits.

The lawsuit, filed in California, alleges that the company’s Fine Ground Celtic Sea Salt and Light Grey Celtic Sea Salt contain heavy metals that pose serious health risks. Despite this, the packaging touts the products as “doctor recommended,” “quality certified,” and a source of “vital minerals,” according to the lawsuit. 

Consumers: Celtic Sea Salt Contains Lead and Arsenic

Los Angeles resident Mark Gonzalez filed the proposed class action lawsuit claiming he bought multiple Celtic Sea Salt products at Walmart, believing them to be a healthy choice. Relying on the packaging’s assurances of high quality and good manufacturing practices, he was unaware the salt contained lead and arsenic, the lawsuit states.

Gonzalez says had he known the truth he wouldn’t have bought the products, but that he would consider buying them again if the contamination issue was resolved and the company provided full transparency. The lawsuit argues that the company’s failure to disclose the contamination amounts to deceptive business practices, as consumers would not knowingly purchase a product containing toxic substances.

The Dangers of Lead and Arsenic in Food

Testing conducted using EPA-approved methods found 460 parts per billion (ppb) of lead and 140 ppb of arsenic in the salt, according to the lawsuit. Under California’s Proposition 65, any food product containing more than 0.5 micrograms of lead per daily serving requires a warning label. A standard serving of Celtic Sea Salt exceeds that limit by nearly ten times.

Unlike some competitors—such as Jacobsen Salt Co., whose products contain no detectable heavy metals—Celtic Sea Salt has not taken steps to reduce or eliminate contamination, the lawsuit claims. Instead, it allegedly misled consumers with its marketing, failing to provide the legally required health warnings.

The lawsuit cites the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which say lead exposure, even in small amounts, can damage the nervous system, impair kidney function, and cause developmental delays in children. The FDA and public health agencies have long warned that heavy metals accumulate in the body, meaning even low-level, repeated exposure can have serious, lifelong consequences.

Food Companies Face a Reckoning Over Contamination

Celtic Sea Salt isn’t the only company facing legal scrutiny over heavy metal contamination. Similar lawsuits have recently been filed against major food brands, including:

• Hain Celestial Group (maker of Earth’s Best Baby Food), accused of selling baby food with excessive arsenic levels.
• Badia Spices, sued for allegedly selling lead-tainted ground ginger and cinnamon.
• Riverside Natural Foods, maker of MadeGood granola bars, facing claims that its products may contain undisclosed metal contamination.

In his lawsuit against, Celtic Ocean International, LLC Gonzalez wants to represent anyone in the US who bought the salt. He is suing for violations of California business laws and breach of warranty and is seeking injunctive relief, damages, fees, costs, and interest.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Gonzalez v. Celtic Ocean International, LLC
• Case Number: 2:25-cv-01177 
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Central District of California 

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

• Craig W. Straub and Zachary M. Crosner (Crosner Legal, P.C.) 

Do you use Celtic Sea Salt? What are your thoughts on this lawsuit? Share your opinion in the comments below.