The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has called for public contributions to address data gaps concerning per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in seafood. This effort aims to enhance understanding and inform measures to mitigate dietary exposure to PFAS, which can pose serious health risks.
The FDA has opened a 75-day comment period, ending February 18, 2025, for stakeholders to share data and strategies on PFAS in seafood. The agency is particularly interested in PFAS concentrations in seafood, harvest environments, and processing water, alongside mitigation strategies.
The Risks of PFAS in Seafood
PFAS are synthetic chemicals widely used in consumer and industrial products. Their persistence in the environment and ability to bioaccumulate have linked them to significant health issues, including liver and cardiovascular damage, immune system effects, and developmental concerns. Recent studies by the FDA found that seafood may be more prone to PFAS contamination compared to other foods.
Call for Data: Key Areas of Interest
PFAS Levels in Seafood
The FDA seeks information on specific seafood types prone to PFAS accumulation, along with geographical data to pinpoint contamination sources. Past analyses identified low-level PFAS presence in 23 of 810 food samples, 19 of which were seafood, although none posed immediate health concerns.
Environmental Impact
Data on PFAS in water and sediments where seafood is harvested can illuminate contamination pathways. Such insights could guide preventive measures for contamination-prone areas.
Processing Water Contamination
The FDA highlights the risk of PFAS entering seafood during processing. Stakeholders are urged to share data on PFAS levels in processing water and explore alternative water sources.
Mitigation Strategies
The agency encourages submissions on effective strategies for reducing PFAS in seafood, such as changing harvest locations or processing methods. Previous mitigation actions include recalls of contaminated seafood products.
Submission Guidelines and Future Actions
Submissions can be made electronically via the Federal eRulemaking Portal or in writing to the FDA's Dockets Management Staff. The agency plans to use this information to refine sampling protocols, prioritize testing, and develop strategies to limit dietary PFAS exposure.
