1. A. Any person or business desiring to process an exotic animal, exotic animal carcass, exotic animal meat, or meat food product in an establishment under voluntary inspection service must complete an application and receive approval of such establishment and facilities as an official voluntary establishment by the department prior to the provision of such service.
2. B. When an application has been submitted for voluntary inspection service, the department shall conduct an initial survey which shall include an examination of the establishment, premises, and facilities.

3. C. The department may provide voluntary inspection services to applicants who meet the following criteria:

   1. 1. Facility Standards. Each establishment must meet the facility standards set forth in 21 C.F.R. 416.1-.5, regarding the establishment grounds and facilities; equipment and utensils; sanitary operations, and employee hygiene.

   2. 2. Ante-Mortem Inspections and Humane Standards. Each establishment requesting ante-mortem inspections shall meet the following standards:

      1. a. An ante-mortem inspection of an exotic animal shall, where and to the extent considered necessary by the department and under such instructions as it may issue from time to time, be made on the day of slaughter of an exotic animal, as determined by the department.
      2. b. Humane handling of exotic animals during antemortem inspections shall be done in accordance with the provisions of R.S. 3:4203. Immediately after the animal is stunned or killed, it shall be shackled, hoisted, stuck and bled.
      3. c. Any exotic animal producer must receive prior approval by the district supervisor for any off-site ante-mortem inspection.
      4. d. Any establishment desiring ante-mortem inspection service must receive approval of the designated area from the district supervisor or designee prior to the rendition of such service.

   3. 3. Post-Mortem Standards

      1. a. Products must be wholesome and free from adulteration, as defined in R.S. 3:4201.
      2. b. Products must be protected from adulteration during processing and storage.
      3. c. Products must be accurately labeled.
4. D. Upon approval of an initial application for voluntary inspection for exotic animals, the Department shall issue a letter of approval notifying the applicant.
5. E. Each subsequent individual request for inspection services by that applicant must also be approved. The applicant must submit a request for each individual date on which inspection services are requested. Each request must be approved by the Department. The Department will notify the establishment if the requested date of inspection services is approved.
6. F. An applicant shall be notified of the decision to reject an application or request for service and the reasons therefore.

Authority Note

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 3:4215.

Historical Note

HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Office of Animal Health and Food Safety, LR 51:778 (June 2025).