The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) and the Maine Center for Disease Control (Maine CDC) recently issued an expanded "Do Not Eat" advisory for deer and wild turkey in several areas, following increased findings of PFAS contamination in wildlife. This advisory affects hunters and residents in Unity, Fairfield, Albion, Skowhegan, and Freedom, where recent testing revealed concerning PFAS levels in game harvested from these regions.
As of October 2024, the MDIFW advisory now includes two additional zones, which cover approximately 9.8 square miles, based on PFAS levels found in deer and turkey harvested within a one-mile radius of high-soil-contamination sites. These zones add to the 125 square miles under advisory since 2021, when PFAS were first detected in Maine's wildlife. The advisory specifically warns residents against consuming meat from game harvested in Unity, Fairfield, and the surrounding townships.
According to the MDIFW, the contamination primarily originates from the spread of municipal and industrial sludge containing PFAS, leading wildlife feeding in contaminated areas to accumulate these chemicals in their tissue. Consuming these animals poses potential health risks as PFAS compounds have been linked to issues such as elevated cholesterol, liver damage, and cancer risks. This advisory expansion underscores the severity of PFAS contamination and the importance of safe hunting practices in these regions.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been monitoring PFAS levels across various foods since 2019. Recent FDA data, which includes nearly 1,300 food samples, show minimal PFAS detection in general food supplies but higher risks in seafood and specific meats. The updated testing methodology now covers 30 types of PFAS, with targeted testing in seafood items such as clams, mussels, and salmon. While the FDA does not currently consider PFAS levels in general U.S. foods to be an immediate health concern, localized contamination, such as in Maine, continues to prompt targeted advisories
Maine's MDIFW, alongside the Maine CDC and the Department of Environmental Protection, will continue testing wildlife for PFAS and provide updates to residents as new data emerge. Meanwhile, hunters and residents are encouraged to review advisory maps to ensure they are informed of restricted areas and to practice caution when consuming game from affected regions.
Residents, hunters, and those interested in the advisory are encouraged to stay informed:
