California's AG Just Forced Seafood Giants to Reveal Hidden Toxic Metals

The ocean, vast and teeming with life, has long been a source of nourishment and wonder. Yet beneath its shimmering surface lies a hidden danger: toxic heavy metals like lead and cadmium, seeping into the seafood that graces our plates. These contaminants, accumulating in the bodies of fish and shellfish, pose a quiet but profound threat to human health, particularly for children and pregnant women. In California, where the coastline is both a lifeline and a legacy, the state has taken a bold stand to protect its people from this insidious risk.

On April 28, 2025, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced settlements with three seafood companies—Clearwater Fine Foods, Seaquest Seafood Corporation, and Jayone Foods—for failing to warn consumers about elevated levels of lead and cadmium in their products. This action, rooted in the state’s pioneering Proposition 65 law, underscores a fundamental principle: no one should have to wonder whether their food is safe. The settlements, which include hefty penalties and mandates for reducing toxic metals, signal a broader commitment to public health over corporate profit.

For too long, the seafood industry has operated with a troubling lack of transparency, leaving consumers vulnerable to contaminants that can cause reproductive harm, kidney damage, and developmental issues. Bonta’s enforcement actions are a clarion call, reminding businesses that Californians have a right to know what’s in their food. This isn’t just about compliance; it’s about accountability, about ensuring that the trust we place in our food supply is not misplaced.

The stakes are high. Heavy metals don’t just vanish; they linger in our bodies, building up over time with devastating consequences. California’s response, through rigorous enforcement of Proposition 65, is a model of proactive governance, one that prioritizes people over the bottom line and sets a standard for the nation.

Enacted in 1986, Proposition 65 is more than a law; it’s a promise to Californians that they will not be left in the dark about toxic exposures. By requiring businesses to provide clear warnings when their products contain chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive harm, the law empowers consumers to make informed choices. In the case of seafood, where lead and cadmium can accumulate in species like clams and shrimp, this transparency is critical. The recent settlements with Clearwater, Seaquest, and Jayone illustrate how Proposition 65 drives real change, compelling companies to either reduce toxins or alert consumers.

Clearwater, a seafood harvester, agreed to pay over $304,000 in penalties and fees, while also committing to monitor its clam harvesting and minimize cadmium levels. Seaquest and Jayone, distributors of various seafood products, will pay $81,440 and provide warnings, with provisions allowing other companies to join the settlement. These measures go beyond mere compliance, pushing the industry toward safer practices and sending a message that cutting corners won’t be tolerated.

The health risks of heavy metals are well-documented. Lead exposure can impair fertility and cause birth defects, while cadmium is linked to kidney toxicity and reproductive harm. These are not abstract concerns but real threats to families who rely on seafood as a staple. By enforcing Proposition 65, California is not only protecting its residents but also setting a precedent that reverberates across the global seafood supply chain, where inconsistent regulations often leave consumers at risk.

Not everyone applauds California’s aggressive stance. Some business advocates argue that Proposition 65 imposes excessive costs, driving up prices and overwhelming consumers with warnings. They claim the law’s private enforcement mechanism, which allows individuals to file lawsuits, fuels frivolous litigation and diverts resources from public health. But this critique misses the mark. The law’s strength lies in its ability to hold companies accountable when federal oversight falls short, ensuring that consumers aren’t left to fend for themselves.

The notion of ‘over-warning’—that too many labels dilute their impact—ignores the reality that transparency is the foundation of trust. Without clear information, how can people make safe choices? Dismissing Proposition 65 as a burden overlooks its transformative impact: since its passage, thousands of toxic chemicals have been removed from consumer goods, from food to cosmetics. The seafood settlements are a case in point, pushing companies to reformulate products and adopt safer practices, benefits that extend far beyond California’s borders.

Critics also question the scientific basis for some chemical listings, pointing to disagreements between state and federal agencies. Yet California’s precautionary approach—acting on evidence of harm rather than waiting for absolute certainty—has proven prescient. The state’s rigorous standards have often spurred national reform, as companies adjust their products to meet California’s requirements rather than maintain separate supply chains. This is not overreach; it’s leadership.

While California’s efforts are commendable, the fight against toxic contaminants in seafood demands a broader response. The global seafood supply chain, riddled with gaps in regulation and enforcement, remains a weak link. Industrial pollution, agricultural runoff, and lax standards in some countries continue to taint the fish and shellfish that reach our markets. The settlements with Clearwater, Seaquest, and Jayone are a step forward, but they also highlight the need for international cooperation and stronger federal action to address these systemic issues.

Consumers, too, have a role to play. By supporting policies that prioritize transparency and accountability, we can amplify the impact of laws like Proposition 65. This means demanding clearer labeling, advocating for stricter environmental regulations, and holding elected officials accountable for protecting public health. California has shown what’s possible when a state dares to lead; now, it’s time for the nation to follow suit, ensuring that no one’s health is sacrificed for profit.

The ocean is more than a resource; it’s a shared inheritance, one we must steward for future generations. California’s crackdown on toxic metals in seafood is a testament to what principled governance can achieve: safer food, empowered consumers, and an industry held to account. The settlements announced by Attorney General Bonta are not just legal victories but a declaration that public health is non-negotiable.

As we savor the bounty of the sea, we deserve to do so with confidence, free from the shadow of unseen toxins. California’s fight is our fight, a reminder that protecting our health and our planet requires vigilance, courage, and an unwavering commitment to doing what’s right. Let this be the beginning of a new era, where every bite we take is a step toward a safer, healthier world.