This bill allows for the raising, butchering, and sale of kangaroo and caribou meat. It amends current law to allow kangaroos to be possessed as livestock without a permit. It also exempts farms that raise kangaroo and caribou for human consumption from certain food services licensure requirements. The bill also amends the definition of "uninspected bison, elk, or red deer" to include kangaroo and caribou. It requires clear labeling of packaging containing uninspected kangaroo and caribou meat and allows licensed restaurants to purchase and serve uninspected kangaroo and caribou meat. The bill also outlines requirements for the slaughter and processing of kangaroo and caribou meat, including the need for a veterinarian examination and testing for Escherichia coli and salmonella. The bill takes effect 60 days after its passage. The fiscal impact of this bill is determined to be less than $10,000 in each fiscal year from 2024 to 2027. The Departments of Agriculture, Markets and Food, and Health and Human Services were contacted regarding this bill.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 143-A:5, 143-A:18, 427:2-a