FDA Adds Companies to Import Alert Due to Chemical Contamination in Clams
The FDA has added eight companies to an import alert that prevents the importation of clams into the U.S after detection of elevated levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in clams from the companies.
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The companies were added to Import Alert 99-48: "Detention Without Physical Examination of Foods Due to Chemical Contamination." The high levels of PFAS resulted "in the products being subject to refusal of admission to the U.S., the FDA said in a statement Feb. 18.
The firms added include Donggang Hongxing Food Co., Ltd; Donggang Yixing Food Co., Ltd; Donggang City Tianhong Aquatic Foodstuff Co., Ltd; Dandong Zhengrun Food Co., Ltd; Nantong Changhua Aquatic Food Co., Ltd; Liaoning Baichen Food Co., Ltd; Dandong Jiamei Food Co., Ltd; and Donggang City Gangzhu Foodstuff Co., Ltd. The FDA stated that it anticipates more firms will be added as the agency "continues sampling activities at the border."
The FDA said that while it will continue to inspect clam shipments for PFAS, it is ultimately the industry that is "responsible for the safety of its products and must comply with applicable regulations to ensure the safety of commercially available seafood like processed clams."
In November, the agency issued a request for information on PFAS in seafood "to help fill data gaps that remain," and is conducting two studies on seafood, which are ongoing.