FDA bars Chinese seafood companies from doing business in US after disturbing discovery found in imported clams — here's what it found

March 28, 2025

Read the full article by Geri Mileva (The Cool Down)

"The U.S. Food and Drug Administration in February announced that eight Chinese seafood companies were added to its Import Alert list. The action followed the discovery of concerning levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in imported clams. The affected clams contain alarming levels of the toxic PFAS.

What's happening?

The FDA issued a warning to the barred seafood companies. Any attempt to enter the U.S. will lead to automatic detention at the border, without any physical inspection. This helps ensure that the contaminated seafood doesn't make it to supermarkets.

Why are import restrictions on contaminated clams important?

Known as "forever chemicals," PFAS are found in many industrial and everyday products. However, their presence in food and the environment can lead to severe health problems. Elevated exposure to certain PFAS has been linked to cancer, liver damage, pre-eclampsia, and high blood pressure, per the FDA."