The California Department of Justice has finalized settlements with three major seafood firms following allegations that their products contained toxic heavy metals exceeding state safety thresholds. According to Attorney General Rob Bonta, Clearwater Fine Foods USA, Seaquest Seafood Corp., and Jayone Foods sold fresh and frozen seafood—including clam products—that tested positive for high levels of lead and cadmium.
Under the terms of the agreement, the companies must pay a combined total of nearly $400,000 in penalties. Specifically, Clearwater is required to pay approximately $304,165 and implement rigorous new food-quality auditing and testing protocols. Seaquest and Jayone will pay $81,440 and must ensure future products carry the required Proposition 65 warnings. These settlements emphasize the state’s commitment to enforcing transparency regarding chemical exposure in consumer goods.