New Lake Superior smelt advisory issued

Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services has reinforced guidance from neighboring Wisconsin to limit consumption of Lake Superior rainbow smelt due to perfluorooctane substances. The small fish is considered a delicacy by many. In Maine, smelt fries are popular events. Smelt are maybe four to seven inches long, and are enjoyed eyes and all.

Due to their size, it isn’t uncommon for the fish to end up with elevated levels of various toxins. The new advisory replaces one concerning mercury exposure. The guidance suggests one helping per month is the most anyone should be consuming. A serving is defined as two to four ounces for children and eight ounces, or a half pound, for adults.

PFOS are in the same category of chemicals as per- and polyfluoroalkaline substances (PFAS) and pose a similar threat. They are used in anything from non stick spray to fire suppressants. The full release is below.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has been notified by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) of elevated perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) levels in Lake Superior rai nbow smelt. In order to be protective of public health, MDHHS is matching WDNR’s guidance and issuing a precautionary Eat Safe Fish guideline recommending that individuals limit Lake Superior smelt consumption to one serving per month.

For the MDHHS guidelines, a serving is considered to be an 8-ounce portion size for adults and 2- or 4-ounce portion size for children. The precautionary guideline take effect immediately and replace the existing Eat Safe Fish guideline for Lake Superior smelt issued due to mercury. MDHHS will update the smelt guideline once additional Michigan data is available later this year.

“This precautionary guideline is based on data shared by Wisconsin, which shows elevated levels of PFOS in Lake Superior rainbow smelt,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “PFOS is a perfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) associated with harmful effects in people, including reduced fertility, thyroid disease and liver damage. We will update this guideline once the department has additional data.”

MDHHS is coordinating with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, Michigan Department of Natural Resources and other agencies to collect smelt from Lake Superior, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan and some inland lakes. MDHHS will then analyze these samples for contaminants, including PFOS. Once this data is available, MDHHS will update existing smelt consumption guidelines for these water bodies as needed.

MDHHS Eat Safe Fish guidelines are not regulatory. MDHHS makes this information available to help Michiganders make safer choices when it comes to choosing and eating fish.. For more information, visit the Eat Safe Fish program website or call the MI-TOXICS hotline at 800-648-6942.