State Rep. Ann Bollin today shared an advisory issued by the state cautioning that beef from a farm in Livingston County may contain Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS).

Beef samples taken from the farm’s freezer and analyzed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service indicate that PFOS was present in the beef tissue. The farmer is cooperating with state agencies and has removed the beef and impacted cattle from commerce. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is also offering the farmer financial assistance to reimburse customers who purchased the beef.

“I’m glad the state is showing an abundance of caution and letting people know about the potential public health risks,” said Bollin, of Brighton Township. “I am monitoring this situation closely and working together with local leaders and state agencies to keep the public informed.”

Limited distribution of the beef occurred throughout Livingston County. More information is available here.

PFOS is one of a group of related manmade chemicals known as perfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAS). This group of chemicals is commonly used in a wide range of industrial processes and is found in many consumer products. Preventing PFAS exposure is important because prolonged exposure to the chemical compound has potential health risks.

Anyone with health-related questions or concerns about consuming this beef can contact MDHHS by calling (800) 648-6942, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

More information on the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team’s investigation that led to the discovery of PFOS in the beef is available here.

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