Bumble Bee recalls clams due to presence of PFAS

Bumble Bee Foods issued a voluntary recall on a specific SKU of smoked clams after testing found detectable levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals in samplings.

The recall only applies to a 3.75 can of Bumble Bee Smoked Clams with the UPC Label 8660075234 which came from a third-party manufacturer in China, the San Diego, California, U.S.A.-based company said in a news release.

“To date there have been no reports of illnesses associated with this recalled product, which was distributed nationwide to a limited number of retailers,” Bumble Bee said.

The company issued the recall “out of an abundance of caution” after learning of the test results from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Consumers who have purchased the recalled product should discard it, according to Bumble Bee.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a diverse group of human-made chemicals used in a wide range of consumer and industrial products.

Available studies suggest associations between PFAS exposure and several health outcomes including increased cholesterol levels, increases in high-blood pressure and pre-eclampsia in pregnant women, developmental effects, decreases in immune response, change in liver function, and increases in certain types of cancer, Bumble Bee said.

This recall does not involve any other Bumble Bee products and the company is working with the third-party manufacturer in China to further investigate and resolve the problem. In addition, the recall does not affect any other clam products distributed by Bumble Bee.

Photo courtesy of Bumble Bee Foods