FDA Publishes New Guidelines on Eating Roadkill

Washington - A new set of guidelines issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises caution and specific safety practices for individuals who choose to consume roadkill. The guidance, announced today by HHS Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr,, emphasizes proper field handling, storage, and cooking temperatures to minimize health risks from pathogens, toxins, and contamination that may arise from animal carcasses found roadside.

The document does not authorize or endorse roadkill consumption; rather, it outlines risk factors and best practices for those who may already be engaging in the practice. It also stresses the importance of local laws, wildlife status, and humane considerations, noting that some roadkill may be protected or unsafe to recover.

Key points in the guidelines include:

• Immediate and safe recovery: use protective gloves, minimize exposure to bodily fluids, and place carcasses in clean, sealed containers for transport.
• Inspection and eligibility: avoid roadkill from uncertain species, signs of disease, prolonged exposure, or carcasses in urban areas with high contamination risk.
• Hygiene and cooking: thorough cleaning and cooking to recommended internal temperatures to mitigate parasites and bacteria.
• Legal and ethical considerations: verify local regulations, ensure respectful treatment of wildlife, and consider the impact on ecosystems.

Kennedy stressed that the guidelines aim to inform rather than promote. He urged the public to view roadkill as a potential food source only after due diligence, not as a routine alternative.

The FDA stressed that the guidelines may evolve as new data emerge and encouraged reporting of adverse events or unusual findings associated with roadkill handling. Local communities are urged to consult state and municipal regulations before attempting to recover or consume animals found on roadways.