Fish consumption guidelines in Minnesota

Abstract

Welcome to Public Health Moment from the University of Minnesota. Minnesota, home of 10,000 lakes, leads the nation in the number of fishing licenses sold per capita. But is it safe to eat the fish we catch? It’s an important question because fish can contain contaminants such as mercury, says Deb Swackhamer, a professor of environmental health sciences at the University of Minnesota. <clip: “The reason that we have this consumption advice…chemicals that are specific to Minnesota.”> Swackhamer says that the State Health Department issues general fish consumption guidelines and guidelines specific for each lake and river in Minnesota. <clip: “Essentially, what the Health Department suggests…intake to approximately once per month.”> To look up guidelines for a specific lake or river, go to www.health.state.mn.us and search for Fish Consumption With another Public Health Moment, I’m John Finnegan.