FDA Updates on PFAS Levels in Imported and Domestic Clams

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FDA Shares Testing Results for PFAS in Clams

by: Food and Drug Law at Keller and Heckman of Keller and Heckman LLP - The Daily Intake

Thursday, December 19, 2024

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On December 18, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shared its latest test results for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in clams as follow up to its findings in the 2022 PFAS in seafood survey. The results of FDA’s testing are used to help the agency better understand PFAS in commercially available foods and identify foods or types of foods that would benefit from targeted surveys, to help ensure a safe and nutritious food supply.
In the 2022 seafood survey, FDA detected high levels of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in samples of canned clams from China and determined that the estimated exposure was likely a health concern. Between October 2022 and September 2024, FDA collected and analyzed 12 samples of processed clams with China as the country of origin. All 12 samples had detectable levels of at least one type of PFAS, and PFOA was detected in all samples. Three shipments were refused entry into the US.
In 2023, FDA also conducted a survey of domestically acquired clam samples. All but one of nine samples had PFOA concentrations under the method detection limit and the products remained on the US market.
The agency is actively engaging with both imported and domestic clam firms to better understand potential sources of contamination and ways in which PFOA concentrations may be reduced. FDA also recently issued a request for information to help fill data gaps that remain regarding PFAS in seafood and is conducting two ongoing surveys, focused on molluscan shellfish and other commonly consumed seafood. FDA will release results of the surveys after completion.