California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced settlements with three companies—Clearwater Fine Foods USA Inc., Seaquest Seafood Corporation, and Jayone Foods—following allegations that they sold seafood products in California with high levels of lead and/or cadmium without providing necessary warnings. This violation of Proposition 65 and the Unfair Competition Law has been resolved through the settlements, which required financial compensation and actionable measures.
Clearwater Fine Foods will pay $304,164.98 in penalties, lawyers’ fees, and costs while adhering to measures to reduce heavy metal content in its products. The settlement was prompted by an investigation spurred by a Proposition 65 notice from a private enforcer about Clearwater's clam products, which were found to exceed safe cadmium levels.
The Seaquest and Jayone settlement involves a payment of $81,440 in penalties, attorneys' fees, and costs. These companies, which distribute seafood provided by other suppliers, must now offer warnings and collaborate with suppliers to reduce lead and cadmium during processing. Additionally, this settlement provides an opt-in option for other seafood sellers in similar circumstances.
Attorney General Bonta stated, "No one should have to question whether their food is safe to eat. That’s why California law requires businesses to warn our residents about potential harm from significant exposures to toxic contaminants. We appreciate the cooperation of these companies in taking steps to minimize heavy metals in their seafood products, in addition to providing warnings if their products cannot be kept below the applicable regulatory threshold."
Both cadmium and lead can accumulate in the body over time, causing significant health issues such as reproductive harm and developmental toxicity. "At the California Department of Justice, we will continue to hold accountable those who fail to warn consumers that they are being exposed to significant levels of toxic contaminants,” added Bonta.
Clearwater has agreed to extensive injunctive terms that ensure public health safety by monitoring the introduction of heavy metals in its processes. Similarly, Seaquest and Jayone must ensure compliance with legal standards.
A copy of the settlement agreements with Clearwater, Seaquest, and Jayone are available for public access.