FDA Reports on PFAS Contamination in Food Supply

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has unveiled new testing results concerning the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) within the American food supply. Seafood has been identified as a significant contributor to the limited number of samples that exhibit detectable levels of these “forever chemicals.”

Overview of Testing Results

The latest data comprises findings from 542 food samples collected in 2024 as part of the FDA’s ongoing Total Diet Study. This program aims to assess dietary exposure to various chemical contaminants among Americans.

Key Findings

Notably, PFAS were not detected in over 92% of the samples, indicating that contamination remains relatively infrequent across the food supply. However, of the 39 samples that did show PFAS detections, several originated from commercially significant seafood species, including:

• Shrimp
• Clams
• Cod
• Salmon
• Tilapia
• Catfish

The FDA emphasized that in specific instances—particularly with shrimp, clams, tilapia, and catfish—PFAS levels surpassed the laboratory’s limits of quantification. This indicates that these concentrations were reliably measurable rather than present at trace levels.

Understanding PFAS

PFAS, often dubbed “forever chemicals,” are resistant to environmental breakdown. They are utilized in a vast array of products, including carpets, non-stick cookware, and various personal care items like sunscreen and shampoo. Their pervasive use poses significant risks, as these substances can infiltrate air, water, and soil, eventually making their way into the food supply through contaminated crops and livestock.

Future Testing Plans

In a prior announcement made in November 2024, the FDA indicated its commitment to ongoing PFAS testing, with a particular focus on filter feeders such as clams and other bivalve mollusks like oysters, mussels, and scallops. This initiative was reported by Undercurrent News.

Additionally, in February 2025, the FDA identified eight canned clam processors from China that exhibited PFAS contamination. These firms were subsequently added to FDA Import Alert 99-48, which mandates the “detention without physical examination of foods due to chemical contamination.”

Conclusion

As the FDA continues to monitor and assess the impact of PFAS in the food supply, consumers are advised to stay informed about the sources of their food and potential contamination risks. The fight against PFAS contamination is ongoing, underlining the need for vigilance and regulatory action in protecting public health.

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