Reports of Lead Found in Processed Deer Meat

Recreational hunting has unwittingly become a threat to public health because of the use of lead slugs and bullets. People who eat venison without knowing how the deer was processed put themselves at risk for ingesting lead. Lead levels vary depending upon how many times a deer is shot; however, even one bullet can hit bone, splinter and spread particles, according to an Illinois Department of Public Health fact sheet. Taking precautions helps to minimize the risk.

Public Safety

• Rule of thumb: Don't eat it if you don't know who processed it.

  Studies may not definitively state that consuming lead-laced deer meat is a health risk, but officials warn the public to be prudent when making choices. The Illinois Department of Public Health's fact sheet "Lead in Venison" advises against pregnant women or children under six eating any venison, despite reports suggesting that levels are not high enough to cause harm. Rinsing the meat may seem like a good idea, but the rinsing may actually make the situation worse by dispersing particles to untainted areas.

Meat Processing

• Find a processor you trust to take the extra steps to reduce lead exposure.

  Hunters who process their own meat have better control over lead levels if they cut a wide swath around the penetration site. Commercial processors are urged to follow specific guidelines to decrease the amount of lead.

  Establish where the slug or bullet entered the body.

  Cut four or more inches around the wound.

  Discard the trimmed meat, as well as any sections with grass, dirt, hair or bone pieces.

  Thoroughly inspect the carcass for any sign of previous bullet entry.

  Inspect the carcass and grinder for lead shards while processing.

  Prevent cross-contamination by separately processing each deer.

Not Fit for Donation

• Donate venison only if safe processing methods can be verified.

  Donations of venison to charities and food pantries can put recipients at risk for health problems. Organizations are advised to accept deer meat only when safe processing methods can be verified. People who eat donated meals may already have compromised health and can react poorly to elevated lead levels. The same consideration should apply for donating to animal groups.

Changing Bullet Type

• Choose copper bullets to prevent lead exposure.

  Hunters can avoid contamination altogether by using lead-free bullets. Copper or copper-jacketed ammunition is preferred over lesser-quality, rapidly dispersing lead-core bullets. Copper is manufactured to explode more gradually than lead and penetrate deeper into the flesh, says Doug Glass in an October 8, 2008, article in "USA Today." This combination provides for greater containment at the point of entry as well as at the point where the bullet comes to rest.