Update on Louisiana Venison destroyed by DHH

As originally reported, The Louisiana Dept of Health destroyed 1,600 pounds of Venison donated to a homeless shelter via the popular Hunters for The Hungry program. Some research revealed that the Louisiana health codes make such a donation permissible.  As of this week, national press has picked up the story and The Hayride is reporting that state legislators are getting involved  with the intentions of resolving this issue.

Louisiana State Representative Jeff Thompson (R-Bossier City) announced today the upcoming news conference to be held Monday, February 25, 2013 at 4 p.m., at the Shreveport/Bossier Rescue Mission to address the recent action by the Department of Health and Hospitals in destroying approximately 1,400 pounds of venison donated to feed the area homeless. The donations, a part of the Hunters for Hungry initiative to provide food to shelters for the homeless, are made by area hunters who contribute harvested deer for processing and service at the local rescue mission. Attending the press conference will be Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry, Dr. Mike Strain; Jimmy Anthony, Deputy Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries; representatives of the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals; Rev. Henry Martin with the Shreveport/Bossier Rescue Mission; as well as representatives of Hunters for the Hungry, and area legislators who have been instrumental in orchestrating discussions among the various state agencies which collectively oversee food safety and the program which promotes the donation of fresh locally harvested deer for homeless shelters and charities.

 

“I am pleased to be able to report at this time that steps have been taken to ensure that no similar actions of destruction of similarly donated food will occur again in Louisiana, and that appropriate revision of existing policies and law which ensure food safety are under review and will occur” commented Jeff Thompson of Bossier City.

 

A lengthy conference call this morning with all involved agencies was conducted and significant progress has been made in recognizing the shortcomings in execution of the existing procedures and of the need for modification of existing law and policies. . Announcements regarding steps to be taken and plans to assist the Rescue Mission replace the lost inventory will be made during the press conference. Agency representatives will be available for questions and comments on the events and plans for improvement.