California Attorney General Rob Bonta has reached settlements with three seafood companies over allegations of selling products with high levels of toxic heavy metals without the required warnings. The agreements were announced following investigations into elevated cadmium and lead levels in some seafood sold in California. Clearwater Fine Foods USA Inc., Seaquest Seafood Corporation, and Jayone Foods were involved in these recent legal actions, according to Attorney General Rob Bonta.
Consumers purchasing from Clearwater, a prominent seafood harvester, may have been exposed to cadmium, a material known to cause reproductive harm and kidney toxicity when ingested over time. According to the settlement announced by the Office of the Attorney General, the company is to pay $304,164.98 in civil penalties, attorney’s fees, and costs, as well as comply with a series of measures to reduce heavy metal content in its offerings. "No one should have to question whether their food is safe to eat," Bonta said, underscoring the necessity for such regulations.
Distributors Seaquest and Jayone were also implicated in selling products containing excessive amounts of lead and/or cadmium. The settlement requires the two companies to issue warnings and ask their suppliers to minimize the introduction of these heavy metals during processing. Together, Seaquest and Jayone are expected to pay a total of $81,440 in civil penalties, attorneys' fees, and costs, as well as provide consumers with the requisite warnings if the products exceed safe harbor levels.
The settlements underscored California's commitment to public health and the resolve of Bonta's office to enforce Proposition 65, which mandates warnings for significant exposures to toxic contaminants. In light of the evidence, Clearwater has agreed to monitor its clam harvesting and minimize heavy metal introduction during processing, among other preventative measures. "We will continue to hold accountable those who fail to warn consumers that they are being exposed to significant levels of toxic contaminants," said Bonta about the proactive measures being taken.
Both settlements come as part of efforts by the California Department of Justice to ensure compliance with health and safety standards. The companies have agreed to adhere to specific injunctive terms that aim to protect consumers from inadvertent exposure to hazardous substances through their diet. These protective steps signal an advancing dialogue on food safety and transparency in the industry, reflecting consumer expectations and legal requirements alike. Complete details on the settlements can be accessed through the Attorney General's website.
