MELVILLE, N.Y., June 11, 2026
Certified Group announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted the company’s validated testing method for detecting perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) in frozen clam products. The accepted method was developed through direct collaboration and guidance from the FDA and is designed to help seafood importers address regulatory challenges related to PFAS contamination, particularly under FDA Import Alert 99-48. The milestone strengthens Certified Group’s position as a specialized laboratory provider supporting food safety, regulatory compliance, and seafood testing across North America.
FDA Acceptance Addresses Critical Seafood Import Challenges
The newly accepted testing method was developed in response to increasing concerns surrounding PFAS contamination in seafood products, particularly frozen clams. Importers have faced significant difficulties when shipments were detained under FDA Import Alert 99-48, which authorizes detention of food products due to chemical contamination concerns. Elevated levels of PFOA and PFOS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” have become an area of growing regulatory scrutiny. By obtaining FDA acceptance for its testing methodology, Certified Group provides importers with a validated analytical solution capable of generating reliable data to support regulatory reviews and shipment releases.
Advanced Analytical Capabilities Support Food Safety Compliance
According to the company, developing the accepted method required extensive work involving method optimization, matrix evaluation, analytical verification, and quality assurance procedures. While the FDA acceptance specifically covers testing of frozen clams, Certified Group stated that it can perform PFAS analysis across nearly all seafood matrices. For seafood products not previously validated by the laboratory, additional verification procedures will be completed before testing begins. The achievement reflects the company’s continued investment in advanced laboratory technologies and its commitment to addressing emerging contaminants that impact food safety and international trade.
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Growing Demand for PFAS Testing Across the Seafood Industry
The food industry continues to face increasing pressure from regulators and consumers regarding the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food products. Seafood has become a key focus area due to concerns about environmental contamination and bioaccumulation. Certified Group indicated that the accepted testing method was developed specifically to help importers navigate regulatory requirements while providing scientifically defensible data. The company noted that only a limited number of laboratories currently possess the expertise and capabilities necessary to perform PFAS testing for seafood products, making the new FDA-accepted method an important resource for the industry.
Certified Group Expands Scientific Leadership in Food Testing
As Certified Laboratories, the company’s flagship specialty chemistry laboratory, celebrates its 100th anniversary, the FDA acceptance highlights Certified Group’s ongoing role in delivering scientific and regulatory solutions for food manufacturers, importers, and suppliers. The company provides laboratory testing, regulatory consulting, certification, and audit services across multiple industries, including food and beverage, dietary supplements, cosmetics, personal care products, tobacco, cannabis, and hemp. The acceptance of this PFAS testing method further strengthens the organization’s capabilities in supporting food safety compliance and helping businesses respond to evolving regulatory expectations.
Source: Certified Group, press release
