'Do Not Eat' Thresholds Vary Dramatically by State

States vary in the level of PFOS in a fish they deem safe to eat. The “do not eat” thresholds for the general population range from New Hampshire, which is the most restrictive at 25.7 parts per billion, to Alabama, which is much less restrictive at 800 ppb.

Note: Data as of November 2023. Connecticut’s and Oregon's thresholds are greater than or equal to their identified values. The other states describe their thresholds as simply greater than their identified values. North Carolina sets its "do not eat" limit at less than half a meal per year, based on the average value from at least five fish fillets from the same species and location.
Sources: Environmental Council of the States and KFF Health News reporting
Credit: Lydia Zuraw and Hannah Norman/KFF Health NewsEmbedDownload image