Pelican State News

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry has announced its intention to establish voluntary inspection services for the slaughtering and processing of exotic animals. This development follows a Notice of Intent submitted to the Louisiana State Register, which outlines plans to promulgate LAC 7:XXXIII.301-333 in line with Act No. 33 from the Regular Session.

This new initiative aims to provide voluntary inspection services for establishments handling meat or meat products from various exotic animals such as bison, cervidae, bovidae (excluding beef), camelidae and their hybrids, domestic rabbits, pheasant, quail, partridge, peafowl, grouse, wild turkey, or other animals designated by the commissioner of agriculture for human consumption.

The program will be part of the existing Meat and Poultry Inspection program and will operate on a fee-based structure without incurring costs to the state. The proposed rules detail general provisions for these services including standards and guidelines for establishments interested in applying. They also cover the application process for requesting inspections, fees and operating hours for services provided, facility standards along with humane practices requirements.

Additionally, marking guidelines are included along with procedures for recalls and public health notices. There are also provisions concerning detention, condemnation and seizure of products; reasons why voluntary inspection services might be withheld; prohibitions; investigations; as well as adjudicatory proceedings related to alleged violations.

The Notice of Intent is scheduled for publication in March 2025's edition of the State Register. Interested parties are invited to submit written comments or opinions regarding this proposed rule by April 10, 2025. Submissions should be directed to Amy L. McInnis at the Department of Agriculture & Forestry's Baton Rouge office.