Flaws in FDA assessment of Gulf Coast seafood following the BP oil spill

In 2010, the BP Oil Spill contaminated the Gulf of Mexico, which supplies approximately 30% of the seafood consumed in the US, with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration developed risk criteria to determine the allowable levels of PAH contaminants in Gulf Coast seafood. We evaluate the FDA risk assessment methods for their ability to protect vulnerable Gulf Coast populations. The current methods employed by the FDA significantly underestimate the risk of seafood contamination to vulnerable populations based on the assumed seafood consumption rates, body weight, and duration of exposure to contamination. Despite evidence that children and developing fetuses may be especially sensitive to adverse effects from PAH exposure, current estimates of risk are not adjusted for these subpopulations. Revised levels of concern that protect vulnerable populations are presented. Up to 14% of shellfish samples have contaminant levels exceeding the revised, health-protective levels of concern for pregnant women and children who are high end seafood consumers. FDA risk assessment methods for assessing contaminants in seafood should be reformed to better protect vulnerable populations such as Gulf Coast women and children.