Minnesota Updates Fish Consumption Guidelines

New limits aim to reduce exposure to mercury and PFAS

Mar. 25, 2026 at 7:33pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Minnesota Department of Health has released updated fish consumption guidelines that include new limits based on fish size and species. The guidance recommends more frequent consumption of smaller fish like bullhead, crappie, sunfish, and yellow perch, while advising less frequent consumption of larger predatory fish like bass, catfish, and lake trout. The state is also advising against eating certain fish entirely, including muskellunge, large walleye, and northern pike, in order to better protect vulnerable populations from mercury and PFAS exposure.

Why it matters

Fish can be a healthy part of one's diet, but certain species and sizes can contain higher levels of mercury and PFAS, which can be harmful especially for children, pregnant women, and those who may become pregnant. These updated guidelines aim to strike a balance between the benefits of eating fish and the risks of exposure to these contaminants.

The details

The new guidelines from the Minnesota Department of Health recommend that sensitive populations such as children under 15 and those who are pregnant or may become pregnant eat fish like bullhead, crappie, sunfish and yellow perch up to once per week. However, they should limit their consumption of larger predatory fish species such as bass, catfish and lake trout to just one serving per month. The state is also advising people to entirely avoid certain fish, including muskellunge, walleye 20 inches or longer, and northern pike 28 inches or longer, due to their higher mercury and PFAS levels.

  • The updated fish consumption guidelines were released on March 25, 2026.

The players

Minnesota Department of Health

The state agency responsible for releasing the updated fish consumption guidelines to protect public health.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

These new fish consumption guidelines from Minnesota aim to balance the health benefits of eating fish with the risks of exposure to mercury and PFAS, especially for vulnerable populations. By providing clear recommendations on which fish to eat more or less frequently, the state is empowering residents to make informed choices about incorporating fish into their diets.