Updated Fish Consumption Guidelines Aim to Protect Public from PFAS Exposure

April 2025 

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has issued updated fish consumption guidelines for multiple waterbodies in St. Louis County due to the presence of PFAS—per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—most notably PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate), a chemical linked to a range of potential health effects.

These updates are part of a larger statewide initiative to tackle PFAS contamination, which is widespread due to the production, use, and disposal of consumer and industrial products containing these chemicals. This spring, MDH revised its guidance for several counties because of more data that has been collected as well as the use of stricter thresholds. St. Louis County is among those counties with new guidelines.

Positive News for Rainbow Smelt in Lake Superior

With the updated review of PFAS data, MDH has determined that rainbow smelt in Lake Superior can be eaten more frequently up to one serving per week from one serving per month.

A Closer Look at the St. Louis County Guidelines

For residents and anglers in St. Louis County, the following local waterbodies are now under updated fish consumption advisories:

• Fish Lake Flowage
• Miller Creek
• Wild Rice River
• Beaver River

For Sensitive Populations:

If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, breastfeeding, or a child under 15, MDH recommends that you do not eat any fish from these waters.

For the General Population:

MDH recommends limiting consumption of fish from these waterbodies to one serving per month.

These updates are based on testing that found elevated levels of PFOS in fish tissue. PFOS, a long-lasting chemical once used in products like firefighting foam and stain repellents, has been phased out but still persists in the environment.

Why This Matters

PFAS chemicals, including PFOS, are sometimes called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily in nature. Research has shown that high exposure to PFAS can affect liver function, immune response, and increase the risk of certain cancers. While the occasional fish meal isn’t likely to cause harm, regular consumption from contaminated waters increases health risks, especially for vulnerable groups.

St. Louis River

While there are fish advisories for a select species of fish in the St. Louis River, none of these advisories are related to PFAS. Click this link for fish consumption guidelines of the rivers in Minnesota.

What You Can Do

• Support clean water initiatives: Reducing PFAS at the source—through policy, awareness, and safer consumer choices—helps protect Minnesota’s waters and public health.
• Stay informed: Always check the DNR LakeFinder and MDH Fish Consumption Guidance pages before fishing.
• Follow safe eating guidelines: Stick to the updated serving recommendations based on your population group.

For more information on PFAS and fish consumption safety, contact the MDH Fish Consumption Guidance Program at HEALTH.fish@state.mn.us or visit www.health.state.mn.us/fish.

For more information on PFAS and wastewater, see our website – https://wlssd.com/education/pollution-prevention/per-and-polyfluoralkyl-substances-pfas/