Courtesy of SeafoodSource:
U.S. seafood suppliers Bumble Bee Foods and Crown Prince have both recalled products this month due to detectable levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
San Diego, California, U.S.A.-based Bumble Bee issued a voluntary, SKU-specific recall of its smoked clams at the beginning of the month “out of an abundance of caution,” according to the firm. The 3.75-ounce cans of clams, which bear the UPC Label 8660075234, originated from a third-party manufacturer in China, the company said.
“To date there have been no reports of illnesses associated with this recalled product, which was distributed nationwide to a limited number of retailers,” Bumble Bee said.
Crown Prince announced a recall of its Natural Smoked Baby Clams in Olive Oil this week, also based on PFAS concerns. As was the case with Bumble Bee, Crown Prince received test results from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) alerting the company of the elevated presence of the human-made chemicals in its clam product.
“No illnesses have been reported to date from this product. Crown Prince decided to issue the recall out of an abundance of caution after learning of the test results from FDA,” Crown Prince said.
The FDA conducted testing of 81 samples of seafood products – many of which were imports – in May 2022. The highest levels of PFAS – classified as a “likely health concern” by the FDA – were found in the clams being recalled by Bumble Bee and Crown Prince. The agency said it is “working to determine the extent of PFOA in imported canned clams and PFAS in clams overall and taking action to ensure the continued safety of the U.S. food supply.”
“In addition, the agency plans to conduct broader testing of canned and fresh clams, both imported and domestically harvested, to better understand PFAS levels to determine the best approach for protecting public health,” the FDA said.
“The company has key permits coming up this summer thanks to hard work with our U.S. team and the many relationships built in California,” Heim said.
Madelyn Kearns
Editorial Project Manager
mkearns@divcom.com