Minnesota updates its fish consumption guidance 

The Minnesota Department of Health on Thursday provided an update for people wanting to eat what they catch in the state’s rivers, lakes, and streams. 

The new guidelines are related to PFAS chemicals found in fish in ten of Minnesota’s counties. 

Known as “forever chemicals”, PFAS are linked to developmental issues with infants and immune systems in older children. They may affect liver function and increase cancer risk. 

On some bodies of water, they’ve said that people shouldn’t eat any fish from some ponds and lakes in Hennepin County and specific species in other bodies of water.  

Other guidelines advise certain people to either limit eating some species of fish or avoid them altogether. That population includes women who are or could become pregnant, who either are or plan to breastfeed, and children under 15 according to the MDH.  

Read the Statewide Guidelines for those groups of people by clicking here.

They said the consumption guidelines may vary among different species of fish on the same waterbody.  

In southeastern Minnesota, the Mississippi River has a number of guidelines from the MDH.  

For example, between the Kellogg Dam to the Lamoille Dam-Pools 5, 5A, and 6 in Wabasha and Winona counties, they recommend up to two servings a week of crappie, sunfish, and yellow perch due to PFAS. Only one serving a month of flathead catfish or white bass because of mercury and PCBs, another group of chemicals used in industrial and commercial applications. It is now banned in the U.S.

Other species can be eaten following the statewide guidelines.

Read the MDH Waterbody-specific Fish Consumption Guidelines by clicking here.

Read the Statewide Fish Consumption Guidelines by clicking here.

“Our fish consumption guidance can help anglers, and their families make informed choices about which fish to eat and how often,” said Angela Preimesberger, MDH’s fish consumption guidance program lead. “Following the guidance enables you to reduce your exposure to contaminants while still enjoying the many benefits of eating fish, which is an important part of a healthy, well-balanced diet.” 

The MDH works with the Minnesota DNR and Pollution Control Agency to monitor the state’s water for contaminants. The data those organizations collect is used to create and update fish consumption information.