The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a request for information on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in seafood. The FDA is seeking scientific data and information from the seafood industry, academia, state and federal agencies, as well as other interested entities, on PFAS concentrations in seafood, the surrounding environment, and processing water, as well as mitigation strategies for reducing exposure to PFAS in seafood. This request is part of our continued work to increase our understanding of the potential for PFAS exposure from seafood and to reduce dietary exposure to PFAS that may pose a health concern.

The FDA collects samples and tests for PFAS in the general food supply in a number of ways, including through the FDA’s Total Diet Study (TDS), which we have used since 2019. Our testing indicates that seafood may be at higher risk for environmental PFAS contamination compared with other types of foods. In 2021 and 2022, to expand on the results from the TDS samples and evaluate potential exposure to PFAS from other seafood types, the FDA collected additional seafood samples and conducted surveys targeting the most commonly consumed seafood in the United States. However, the data on PFAS in seafood are still limited for many other seafood types.

Addressing potential effects of Americans’ PFAS exposure is a national priority and is coordinated across several federal agencies. Through these interagency collaborations, we are working to identify routes of PFAS exposure, understand associated health risks, and reduce the public’s dietary exposure to PFAS that may pose health concerns. The FDA is committed to maintaining the availability of safe seafood, as it provides key nutrients for children and adults. We will continue to apply the latest science to increase our understanding of the levels of PFAS in seafood and the reasons for differences within and across types of seafood and to help identify strategies that can reduce PFAS in seafood. This request for information is an opportunity for interested entities (including the seafood industry, academia, and state and other federal agencies) to help address the existing data gaps, advance our public health mission, and further support the Administration’s comprehensive approach to addressing PFAS and advancing clean air, water, and food.

To ensure comments regarding “Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Seafood; Request for Information” are considered, please submit written or electronic comments by February 18, 2025.

Submit comments electronically on Regulations.gov to docket number FDA-2024-N-4604.

Submit written/paper submissions to:
Dockets Management Staff (HFA-305)
Food and Drug Administration
5630 Fishers Lane, Rm 1061
Rockville, MD 20852

All submissions received must include the Docket No. FDA-2024-N-4604 for “Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Seafood; Request for Information.”

Additional Information

Federal Register Notice

FDA Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

FDA Shares Results on PFAS Testing in Seafood

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released guidance with revisions to the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Voluntary Qualified Importer Program (VQIP). VQIP offers importers who achieve and maintain a high level of control over the safety and security of their supply chains expedited review and importation of human and animal foods into the United States. These updates are intended to streamline processes, enhance flexibility, and elevate the overall efficiency of the program.

Through the updates made today, the FDA is implementing a revised inspection approach, strategically designed to optimize program efficiency by leveraging other oversight activities, which may reduce user fees.

Additionally, participants now have the flexibility to add new foreign suppliers and foods to their existing program throughout the fiscal year, allowing them to access more benefits through their program. To support our participants in obtaining a facility certificate from an accredited certification body under the Accredited Third-Party Certification Program (TPP), we are also extending the deadline for submitting the notice of intent to participate and application.

Expedited entry through VQIP incentivizes importers to adopt a robust system of supply chain management and further benefits public health by allowing FDA to focus its resources on food entries that pose a higher risk to public health. These updates, which are effective immediately, build on feedback from stakeholders to support and streamline the process for participation.

All interested food importers can take advantage of the benefits of VQIP, which can include:

• Streamlined importation processes, saving food importers valuable time and resources;
• Avoiding unexpected delays at the point of import;
• Reduced storage costs, enabling food importers to optimize their resources efficiently; and
• Recognition as a responsible importer committed to food safety and security.

To learn more about VQIP contact fsmavqip@fda.hhs.gov.

Additional Information

• FDA’s Voluntary Qualified Importer Program Guidance for Industry
• Voluntary Qualified Importer Program (VQIP)

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today has published the Supplement to the 2022 Food Code. The Supplement updates the 2022 Food Code with recommendations made by regulatory officials, industry, academia, and consumers at the 2023 Biennial Meeting of the Conference for Food Protection.

The Food Code and its Supplement provide government and industry with practical, science-based controls for reducing the risk of foodborne illness in retail and foodservice establishments of all types. The Food Code and the Supplement are joint projects by the FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) – Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

Some highlights in the Supplement to the 2022 Food Code include:

• Adding new provisions addressing disinfection of food contact, nonfood-contact and equipment surfaces;
• Expanding and clarifying how and when containers can be refilled and reused in a food establishment;
• Addressing food protection with new provisions that improve awareness of food defense measures;
• Building on the concept of Food Safety Management Systems and Active Managerial Control by defining the terms, including new provisions that speak to when a Food Safety Management System is required;
• Updating testing requirements for reinstatement of food employees diagnosed with an illness from STEC, Shigella, or Nontyphoidal Salmonella to include culture-independent diagnostic tests; and
• Enhancing information regarding sushi rice acidification with a dedicated section in Annex 6 Food Processing Criteria addressing risks and controls.

The Food Code is the model for retail food regulations in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and other territories. The FDA encourages its state, local, tribal, and territorial partners to adopt the current version of the FDA Food Code, including the Supplement to the 2022 Food Code. The agency’s Office of Retail Food Protection is available to assist regulatory officials, educators, and industry in their efforts to understand, adopt, and implement the FDA Food Code. Inquiries may be sent to: retailfoodprotectionteam@fda.hhs.gov or directly to a Retail Food Specialist.

The next complete revision of the Food Code will be published in 2026.

For additional information, visit Retail Food Protection.

News from AAFC’s Market Access Secretariat

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has negotiated new export conditions with Japan for non-extruded pet food containing poultry ingredients. The amended certificate (HA3068) is now available online. To note, the province of origin for poultry ingredients will now be recognized as free of notifiable avian influenza 28 days after cleaning and disinfection (reduced from 90 days).

Japan is allowing a 60-day transition period, however, effective December 20, 2024, only the amended certificate will be accepted.

To confirm certification requirements prior to export, please contact your nearest CFIA office. It is also advisable for Canadian exporters to collaborate closely with their Japanese importers to ensure all necessary documentation is in order.

News from Canadian Food Inspection Agency

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has updated the Policy on import (return) to Canada of meat products that were exported from Canada to include import requirements of exported meat products shipments (return), for all countries including the United States, based on the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR). The policy has been updated to include new operational procedures and a new application form (CFIA form 5980) which is PDF fillable document.

The CFIA has implemented a 3-month transition period starting on October 1st, 2024, to allow a gradual transition to the use of the updated policy and the new application form.

For details, please refer to the Notice to industry.

If you have any concerns or questions, please contact Ask CFIA