PFAS Detected in Wisconsin Wild Rice
Researchers found low levels of the chemical in samples, providing needed safety data for those consuming regional wild rice.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Organic Food
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Researchers have detected trace amounts of PFAS in wild rice harvested from northern Wisconsin. The finding highlights the presence of these chemicals in traditional foods and helps inform safety assessments for local communities.
Why it matters
Understanding PFAS levels in traditional foods like wild rice is critical for evaluating dietary exposure risks. This investigation provides essential data to address concerns about the safety of traditional Indigenous food sources in the region.
A study published in Chemosphere analyzed wild rice samples collected from northern Wisconsin, finding concentrations below the 2 nanograms per gram safety threshold. Researchers have not yet determined the full environmental pathway for these specific contaminants.
The players
Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission
An agency representing member tribes that protects and enhances treaty-protected natural resources.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
A public research university contributing expertise to environmental health and agricultural studies.
Field Museum of Chicago
A research institution focused on biological and cultural diversity and environmental stewardship.
The details
Researchers collected plant samples in fall 2024 from sites including Turtle Flowage and the Wild Rice Reservoir to assess contamination. By integrating scientific and Indigenous knowledge, the study evaluated the presence of PFAS in these aquatic ecosystems. The team successfully mapped where these chemicals persist in the environment versus where they remain absent, such as in Allouez Bay.
Timeline
Plant samples were collected throughout northern Wisconsin during fall 2024.
The study findings were published in the journal Chemosphere on October 17, 2026.
Health Landscape
This study is part of an ongoing effort to monitor the chemical safety of traditional foods across the Great Lakes region. It builds upon established environmental monitoring programs to provide a more comprehensive view of how PFAS interacts with local ecosystems.
Residents who rely on wild rice should consult with local health or tribal authorities for guidance regarding specific harvest areas. Discussing dietary sources and potential environmental exposures with your primary care physician is a proactive step for managing health concerns.
The takeaway
PFAS presence in wild rice is being tracked as researchers work to ensure the safety of traditional food sources. Individuals interested in local environmental health should monitor future reports regarding manoomin and other native food crops in their area.
What happens next
Researchers are planning follow-up studies to continue investigating the impact of both PFAS and mercury on manoomin and other traditional food sources.
Further reading
For more on the quality and safety of traditional food crops, visit Organic Food.
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Do you trust the safety of local food sources in your area despite emerging pollution reports?
