TO EAT OR NOT TO EAT

[GRH]

thanks Jeffreyd

[jeffreyd]

hey here is a reply for the other veterinarian at game and fish, i am pasting it from her email to me. might raise some eyebrows. jeff

Jeff,

If you want to know about meat contamination in terms of health and food safety, there are a few factors to consider:

1) If you found the animal the next morning and a predator had not been at it, would the meat be safe to eat? Some would say no because as soon as the animal dies, bacteria from the gi begin spreading and multiplying, some would say if it doesn’t smell bad and you cook it very well, should be fine; 2) If the predator consumed only a small part and none of the viscera were opened, then 5 inches from the consumed area all the way around should be just fine; 3) if the viscera were opened and gut contents were spilled, then any meat those contents touched should be considered inedible—almost impossible to remove E. coli once it adheres to the tissue.

I would be hesitant to eat it myself because of the lapse of time before gutting. I am not a food safety expert. This is just my opinion.

Hope this helps.

Anne

Anne Justice-Allen, DVM

Wildlife Health Specialist

Arizona Game and Fish Dept

5000 W. Carefree Hwy

Phoenix, AZ 85086

off. 623-236-7351

fax 623-236-7918

cell 602-568-8837