Voluntary exotic inspections
Have your non-domestic animal products certified by LDAF Inspectors and learn what is required to receive this voluntary service
Purpose
The goal of this program is to collaborate with the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) to offer a means for non-domestic species farmers to legally bring their animals to market after being slaughtered and/or processed in an approved facility and in accordance with meat inspection laws and regulations. This program functions as a certification of these standards by LDAF Meat & Poultry Inspection personnel. This program is not intended to carry the weight of LDH jurisdictional authority or to grant applicants the legal authority to sell their products in commerce, only to assist in the application and enforcement of food safety standards common to both agencies and inspire confidence in consumers.
Products produced under this program will carry a mark on the item or packaging signifying that they have been approved by LDAF Inspection personnel.
This program will ensure that participating establishments humanely handle live animals, accurately label products, and prevent adulteration by producing products in a safe and wholesome manner.
Services
![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="24" height="24"><path d="M3.9 12c0-1.71 1.39-3.1 3.1-3.1h4V7H7c-2.76 0-5 2.24-5 5s2.24 5 5 5h4v-1.9H7c-1.71 0-3.1-1.39-3.1-3.1zM8 13h8v-2H8v2zm9-6h-4v1.9h4c1.71 0 3.1 1.39 3.1 3.1s-1.39 3.1-3.1 3.1h-4V17h4c2.76 0 5-2.24 5-5s-2.24-5-5-5z"/></svg> "Link to item")
Call us at 225-922-1358 to discuss your plans or simply apply online by clicking HERE . Be sure to check the Voluntary Exotic box in Section 3.
After you submit the application, you will be contacted by your local LDAF personnel to begin the process. We are available to you by phone or email anytime at meatinspection@ldaf.la.gov for any questions or concerns you may have.
Louisiana passed new laws allowing the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry to conduct Voluntary Exotic Inspection of certain non-traditional livestock and poultry species. This inspection certifies that these products have additional humane, labeling, and sanitary standards applied to them.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What exotics are covered?
Bison, Cervidae (deer ( not whitetail ), elk, pronghorn, moose, etc.), other Bovidae (water buffalo, some antelope, impala, etc.), Camelidae (camels, llamas, alpacas), and hybrids thereof, domestic rabbits, pheasant, quail, partridge, peafowl, grouse, and wild turkey. Note: Rabbit and quail have additional LDH statutory and regulatory requirements.
How do I get started?
Call us at 225-922-1358 to discuss your plans or apply HERE . Be sure to check the Voluntary Exotic box.
Where can I have this done?
Operations should be conducted in LDH or LDAF permitted facilities.
What are the facility requirements?
Facilities should meet the Sanitation Performance Standards in 9 CFR 416.1-5.
What are the 3 main tenets of the program?
• Products must be wholesome and free of adulteration.
• Products must be protected from adulteration during slaughter, processing, and storage.
• Products must be accurately labeled.
What does it cost?
Services are charged at $40 per hour with a 2-hour minimum. LDAF will send a monthly bill to your email address.
Who do I contact for services?
All scheduling will go through the local District Supervisor. You will be put in touch with them when you apply. You should also notify your local Parish Sanitarian with the LA Department of Health to inform them and for product registration. (All human food products packaged for retail sale in the state are subject to the legal requirement to be registered with LDH under the auspices of La. R.S. 40: 627 et seq.).
How much notification time is needed?
The voluntary inspection establishment on behalf of the applicant must notify the District Supervisor or designee at least 48 hours in advance of the hours when the inspection is desired.
How will my customers know the products were approved?
LDAF will provide ink stamps with the mark of exotic inspection that should be applied to all products.
What kind of documentation do I get that it was approved?
A Voluntary Exotic Inspection Report is completed and signed by the Inspector each day that this service is performed. A copy of this report can be provided at your request.
Where can I find the laws and regulations that govern this program?
Law: Louisiana Revised Statute Title 3 3:4215 E
Regulations: Louisiana Title 7 Part XXXIII Chapter 3 §301-333, USC Title 9 §416.1-5, La. R.S. 40: 627 et seq.
Voluntary Exotic Inspection Regulations - Title 7 §301-333
SPS 9 CFR 416 for Exempt-Voluntary
Find an exotic processor
Click on the Establishment Map button below.
Click the symbol in the top left.
Select Voluntary Exotic.
Unselect any other checked boxes.
Contact info
Related links