California Settles with Seafood Companies Over Toxic metal Contamination
SACRAMENTO — April 29, 2025 — California’s Attorney General has settled with several seafood companies due to the presence of toxic heavy metals. The settlements followed investigations into the sale of seafood products containing elevated levels of lead and cadmium. The Attorney General, in this case, is promoting food safety and transparency. For more data, consult the California Department of Justice.
California Attorney general Settles with Seafood Companies Over Toxic Metal Contamination
Published: 2025-04-29
Seafood Safety Under Scrutiny
California Attorney General Rob bonta announced settlements with three seafood companies—Clearwater Fine Foods USA inc.(Clearwater), Seaquest Seafood Corporation (Seaquest), and Jayone Foods (Jayone)—over allegations of selling seafood products contaminated with elevated levels of lead and/or cadmium [[3]]. These contaminants, if present above certain levels, require warnings under California’s Proposition 65 and the Unfair Competition Law.
did You Know?
Proposition 65, officially known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, requires businesses to provide warnings to Californians about meaningful exposures to chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
The settlements aim to ensure that consumers are informed about potential health risks associated with consuming seafood containing these heavy metals.
Settlement Details
- Clearwater: The settlement requires Clearwater to pay $304,164.98 in civil penalties, attorneys’ fees, and costs. The company must also implement measures to reduce heavy metal levels in its products [[3]].
- Seaquest and Jayone: These companies are required to provide warnings on their products and pay a total of $81,440 in civil penalties, attorneys’ fees, and costs. The settlement includes an opt-in provision for other seafood sellers to join under similar terms [[3]].
Attorney General’s Stance
Attorney General Bonta emphasized the importance of food safety and transparency:
No one should have to question whether their food is safe to eat. That’s why California law requires businesses to warn our residents about potential harm from significant exposures to toxic contaminants. We appreciate the cooperation of these companies in taking steps to minimize heavy metals in their seafood products, along with providing warnings if their products cannot be kept below the applicable regulatory threshold. At the California Department of justice, we will continue to hold accountable those who fail to warn consumers that they are being exposed to significant levels of toxic contaminants.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta
Health Risks of Cadmium and Lead
Cadmium and lead are toxic heavy metals that can accumulate in the body over time, leading to serious health issues. long-term exposure to cadmium can cause reproductive harm and kidney toxicity. Lead exposure can result in reproductive and developmental toxicity, possibly reducing male fertility and increasing the risk of miscarriage and birth defects.
pro Tip
Consumers can reduce their exposure to heavy metals by choosing a variety of seafood from different sources and by staying informed about potential contaminants in their food.
Clearwater Settlement Details
The investigation into Clearwater began after the Attorney General’s Office received Proposition 65 notices from a private enforcer regarding cadmium levels in Clearwater’s clam products [[3]]. Testing confirmed that the cadmium levels exceeded the regulatory “safe harbor” level, requiring warnings for reproductive toxicity.
Clearwater has agreed to:
- Monitor clam harvesting.
- Minimize the introduction of heavy metals during processing.
- Retain a food quality auditor to assess the origin of any detected cadmium.
- Conduct compliance testing to ensure cadmium levels are minimized.
- Provide warnings if cadmium levels exceed the proposition 65 threshold or discontinue these measures.
Seaquest and Jayone Settlement Details
The settlements with seaquest and Jayone followed a similar investigation that revealed their seafood products exceeded safe harbor levels for lead and/or cadmium. The companies will now provide warnings and request their suppliers to minimize heavy metal contamination during processing.
The settlement also includes an opt-in provision for other companies to join under similar terms, promoting broader compliance with Proposition 65.
FAQ: Seafood Contamination and Proposition 65
- What is Proposition 65?
- California law requiring warnings about exposures to chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
- What heavy metals were found in the seafood?
- Lead and cadmium.
- What are the health risks of these metals?
- Cadmium can cause reproductive harm and kidney toxicity; lead can cause reproductive and developmental toxicity.
- What do the settlements require?
- Companies must provide warnings, pay penalties, and implement measures to reduce heavy metal contamination.
- Where can I find more data?
- Copies of the settlements are available online.
Additional Resources
for more information on Proposition 65 and seafood safety, visit the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) website or consult with a healthcare professional.
