

This leaves the requirement for inspection of wild game meats in a vague regulatory "never-never land" as far as federal laws are concerned.

These "non amenable" meats are not even considered "meat" by the USDA under their interpretation of the FMIA. USDA FSIS will perform a voluntary inspection on some of these alternative proteins, including venison, and provide it with a mark of inspection.Ĭonfusion arises from the fact that most wild game meats are not named in the FMIA. All other meats are defined as being non-amenable and the USDA FSIS is not obligated to inspect them. is regulated by the "Federal Meat Inspection Act" (FMIA) and the "Federal Poultry Inspection Act." The Federal Meat Inspection Act defines “meat” specifically as being from “cattle, sheep, swine, or goats.” (10 CFR 12.601 2011) The USDA is mandated to inspect these meats. The inspection of most traditional meats in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is not required to inspect wild game meats. However, if it is inspected then that is assurance that it is legal to sell. However, in most states native species (like whitetail deer) are deemed to be "game animals" while non-native species have different classifications, usually deemed "livestock." If it is restricted then it will not be inspected and cannot be sold. The restrictions and definitions vary from state to state. Meat from "game animals" as defined by state wildlife agencies that are harvested within that state cannot be sold. The inspection and processing requirements will not be met and the meat cannot be sold. This is the case for game meat harvested by a recreational hunter. Game meats that do not have a mark of inspection cannot be sold. If wild game meat has received a mark of inspection by a state or federal inspection program, or it has been legally imported, then its sale is legal anywhere within the United States. There are, however, laws prohibiting the sale of uninspected wild game meat. There is no law prohibiting the sale of wild game meat (venison, etc.).
#California native game animals how to
This article describes how to determine if the meat you buy is fully inspected, by whom, and why you should be concerned if it is not. Frequently, however, wild game meat available for purchase is not inspected. It should be reasonable to expect that any wild game meat offered to you for purchase is adequately inspected for wholesomeness and sanitation.
