The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is calling on stakeholders to provide information and scientific data on the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in seafood. The agency issued a formal request today for input from the seafood industry, academic researchers, state and federal agencies, and other relevant parties to help address concerns about PFAS contamination in seafood and its potential health risks.
PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment, have raised growing health concerns due to their widespread presence in the environment and food supply. The FDA’s request for information aims to gather data on PFAS concentrations in seafood, as well as in the surrounding water and environment where seafood is harvested and processed. The agency is also seeking input on mitigation strategies that could reduce PFAS exposure in seafood.
The FDA has been monitoring PFAS in food for several years, including through its Total Diet Study (TDS), which has been collecting data on the presence of these chemicals in the food supply since 2019. According to the agency, preliminary testing has indicated that seafood may be at higher risk for PFAS contamination compared to other foods. In 2021 and 2022, the FDA expanded its research by collecting additional seafood samples and conducting surveys targeting the most commonly consumed seafood in the U.S. However, the agency notes that data on PFAS levels in many types of seafood remain limited.
Collaborative Effort to Address PFAS Exposure:
Addressing the public health risks associated with PFAS exposure is a national priority. The FDA is working in collaboration with other federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to understand the pathways through which PFAS enter the food supply and to evaluate the potential health effects of exposure. The goal is to reduce dietary exposure to PFAS, which may pose a long-term risk to human health.
“Seafood plays a vital role in providing important nutrients for children and adults alike, and we are committed to ensuring its safety,” said an FDA spokesperson. “This request for information will help us better understand the levels of PFAS in seafood, the factors that contribute to contamination, and the most effective strategies for reducing exposure.”
The FDA is particularly focused on understanding how different types of seafood may have varying levels of PFAS contamination and what actions can be taken to limit exposure to these substances.
Public Comments and Participation:
The FDA is inviting stakeholders from various sectors to submit written or electronic comments regarding PFAS in seafood. The deadline for submitting feedback is February 18, 2025. This input will play a key role in filling data gaps, advancing public health efforts, and contributing to the Administration’s broader initiative to address PFAS contamination and improve the safety of air, water, and food.
The agency emphasized that this call for information is part of its ongoing commitment to maintaining the availability of safe seafood, while working to reduce any potential health risks associated with PFAS exposure.
How to Submit Comments:
Interested parties are encouraged to submit their comments electronically or in writing through the FDA’s designated channels. The agency will review all submissions and use the information to guide future policy decisions and scientific research on PFAS in the food supply.
This initiative is part of the FDA’s broader effort to monitor and address the presence of PFAS across all food categories and reduce the public’s exposure to these harmful chemicals.
