SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Five California jewelry distributors are agreeing to stop selling jewelry containing high levels of lead and, in one case, the toxic metal cadmium.
California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said Tuesday the companies based in Los Angeles and Santa Clara counties also agreed to pay the state more than $83,000 to settle the state's claims.
Officials say the jewelry, which one company labeled as "lead-free," contained toxic metals at levels higher than allowed under California law. Some exceeded the legal limit by 1,000 times.
Becerra is also backing a bill by Democratic Sen. Holly Mitchell that would toughen the state's standards.
The companies are Peer JS Inc.; Obedebom Inc.; Andrea and Paulo Corp.; Seven Star Fashion Accessory; and Le Belle Merchandise Corp.
