AUSTIN, Texas - The Texas Attorney General's Office has launched an industry-wide investigation into protein powder manufacturers following reports that some products contain elevated levels of heavy metals.

What we know: According to Texas officials, the investigation stems from findings by Consumer Reports and the Clean Label Project, two organizations that independently tested protein powders and ready-to-drink protein shakes sold in the United States.

The news release stated that Consumer Reports examined 23 products and found that plant-based protein powders contained lead levels that were, on average, nine times higher than dairy-based powders such as whey protein and twice as high as beef-based protein products.