MDH Issues New Fish Consumption Guidelines Due to PFAS in 10 Minnesota Counties

(KNSI) – The Minnesota Department of Health has updated its fish consumption guidance in response to the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in fish from various lakes and rivers across ten counties.

PFAS are synthetic chemicals that have been used for decades in products designed to resist heat, stains, grease, oil, and water. These substances can accumulate in the body and cause health concerns over time. They have been linked to concerns such as low birth weight, weakened immune systems in children, liver function changes, and increased cancer risk.

The updated guidelines include “do not eat” advisories for certain fish due to high levels of PFAS. All fish species from Minnesota River Valley ponds and Long Meadow Lake in Hennepin County, bass from Mooney Lake, also in Hennepin County, and walleye from George Lake in Martin County should not be consumed. Yellow perch and common carp from Otter Lake, McCuen Creek, Bear Creek, and the south fork of the Crow River in McLeod and Carver counties are also on the list.

On a positive note, MDH has relaxed restrictions for rainbow smelt from Lake Superior. The new guidance allows up to one serving per week, up from one per month.

Extra care is advised for fish consumption for pregnant or breastfeeding women and children under 15.

MDH works with the Department of Natural Resources and the state Pollution Control Agency to monitor contaminants in lakes and rivers. PFAS monitoring was added to this program in 2004, building on decades of tracking mercury and other chemicals.

Check the DNR LakeFinder or MDH’s guidance page before consuming locally caught fish.

For broader efforts on PFAS reduction, visit Minnesota’s PFAS Blueprint by clicking here.

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