Are Wild Turkeys Safe to Eat in Maine in 2025? What the PFAS Warning Means for You

Maine wildlife officials have told hunters not to eat wild turkeys harvested in parts of the state after testing found "forever chemicals," or PFAS, in the birds' tissue, according to reporting by The Guardian. The advisory adds turkeys to a growing list of Maine wildlife, including deer and fish, flagged for PFAS contamination in recent years, and it raises fresh questions about how these chemicals move through soil, water, plants and animals into the food people eat.

PFAS contamination isn't limited to wild game. It's also widespread in everyday consumer products. PFAS Authority's own scoring of 10,911 products found that 41% fail its PFAS and toxin screen, based on published ingredients, materials, certifications and disclosures rather than laboratory testing of each item. You can check how specific products score using our product finder.

What Happened in Maine?

According to The Guardian, Maine authorities detected PFAS in wild turkeys and issued guidance advising against eating birds from affected areas. This follows earlier warnings from the state about deer and freshwater fish in locations where PFAS-laden sludge, often called "biosolids", had been spread on farmland as fertilizer decades ago. That sludge, sourced from wastewater treatment plants, is now understood to be a major pathway for PFAS to enter soil, groundwater and the animals that live on contaminated land.

Maine has been a national leader in confronting this legacy. The state has tested farmland, restricted the use of PFAS-containing sludge as fertilizer, and expanded wildlife testing as evidence has mounted that contamination isn't confined to fish and water, it moves up the food chain into land animals that people hunt and eat.

Who Is Affected?

The most direct concern is for hunters and their families in the specific Maine areas named in the advisory, particularly those who regularly eat wild turkey, venison or local freshwater fish. But the broader issue touches a much wider group, anyone living near current or historically sludge-treated farmland, anyone who eats locally hunted game as a significant part of their diet, and communities across the country where similar biosolid application has occurred, since Maine is not believed to be unique, it has simply tested more aggressively than most states.

Children, pregnant women and people who eat wild game frequently are generally considered at higher potential exposure risk, simply because PFAS can accumulate in the body over repeated exposures.

Why Does This Matter?

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a large family of synthetic chemicals used for decades in nonstick cookware, waterproof fabrics, firefighting foam and industrial processes because they resist heat, water and stains. That same durability means they don't break down easily in the environment, hence the nickname "forever chemicals."

Health agencies and researchers have linked certain PFAS exposures to an increased risk of some cancers, along with effects on the immune system, thyroid function and cholesterol levels, though scientists describe these as associations found in population studies rather than proven cause-and-effect in every individual case. The concern with wild turkeys is the same as with contaminated fish or deer, eating meat from an animal that has bioaccumulated PFAS from its environment can add to a person's overall chemical exposure over time.

This story also matters because it illustrates how PFAS contamination isn't confined to obvious sources like nonstick pans or stain-resistant carpets. It can travel silently through agricultural practices, water systems and wildlife, showing up in places consumers wouldn't necessarily think to check.

What Should You Do?

If you hunt or eat wild game in Maine, check current state wildlife advisories before consuming turkey, deer or fish from specific water bodies or regions, since guidance can vary by location and is updated as testing continues. If you live outside Maine, it's worth finding out whether your state or region has tested wildlife for PFAS, particularly in areas with a history of biosolid fertilizer use on nearby farmland.

Beyond wild game, you can reduce everyday PFAS exposure by paying closer attention to the products you buy. PFAS Authority's screening has found particularly high failure rates in certain outdoor gear categories, 100% of the 316 camping tents and tarps scored failed, along with 100% of 74 rain jackets, 100% of 72 cycling rain jackets, 100% of 15 sleeping bags, and 100% of 15 softshell jackets scored. These categories often rely on water-repellent coatings that historically contained PFAS.

It's also worth knowing which major brands currently disclose little to nothing about PFAS use in their products, based on our review of public information, Cuisinart, The North Face, Calphalon, MAC, T-fal, Nike, Adidas and All-Clad. A lack of disclosure doesn't automatically mean a product contains PFAS, but it does make it harder for consumers to judge. You can look up specific items using our finder tool, and read more about how we evaluate products in our methodology.

Bottom Line

Maine's turkey advisory is another sign that PFAS contamination extends well beyond factories and consumer products into the food people hunt and eat. While regulators work to map the scope of the problem, consumers can lower their potential exposure by following local wildlife advisories and choosing consumer products more carefully, starting with categories, like outdoor gear, where PFAS use has historically been widespread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it dangerous to eat any wild turkey now?

Not necessarily. The advisory applies to specific areas of Maine where testing found elevated PFAS levels, according to state wildlife officials. Turkeys from unaffected regions are considered lower concern, though it's wise to check current local advisories before eating wild game.

How did PFAS get into wild turkeys?

Officials and researchers point to the historical spreading of PFAS-containing wastewater sludge on farmland as fertilizer, which contaminated soil and groundwater in some areas. Turkeys and other wildlife can pick up these chemicals from the plants, insects and water in their environment.

Can I avoid PFAS entirely in food and products?

Completely avoiding PFAS is very difficult given how widespread these chemicals are, but you can lower your exposure by checking wildlife advisories in your area and choosing products with clearer PFAS disclosures. Tools like PFAS Authority's product finder can help you compare options.