6 Meats That Are Illegal to BBQ in Louisiana

Lafayette, La (KMDL) - In Louisiana, we eat all of the meat from an animal as possible.

We've come up with creative and delicious ways to do it too.

Take a pig for example.

In Acadiana, Cajuns can turn a delicious pig into cracklins, ham hocks, Souse (hog's head cheese), chaudin, and of course boudin.

With all of the cooking we do in Louisiana, there are six meats you'll never find in any butcher shop, specialty meats store, or BBQ pit because they're illegal in Louisiana.

6 Meats That Are Illegal in Louisiana

In Louisiana and the United States, there are very strict regulations and laws about what types of meat can be sold commercially and consumed.

There are different reasons as to why regulations and laws are so strict, the main reason being public safety.

From newsbreak.com -

"These laws are in place to ensure public health and safety, as well as to protect animal welfare.

While many types of meat are widely consumed, there are certain types that are illegal to sell or consume in the U.S., either because of health concerns, ethical reasons, or conservation efforts."

READ MORE: Top BBQ Spot in Louisiana Makes Best in America List

So, what are the 6 meats that are illegal to BBQ in Louisiana?

The good news is that these probably aren't anything you'd want to eat anyway...maybe.

1. Horse Meat - Horse meat is consumed in a lot of different countries, even some parts of Europe, but very illegal in Louisiana and the U.S.

The reason why horse meat is illegal in Louisiana might not be for the reason you think.

According to businessinsider.com "The Food Safety and Inspection Service is not authorized to inspect deceased horses, leading to a ban on the sale and consumption of horse meat in Louisiana and the U.S."

2. Sea Turtle Meat - Certainly we could make a delicious sea turtle soup here in Acadiana, but that would be very illegal and for good reason.

Sea turtles are protected under the Endangered Species Act, and hunting them for any reason, including for food, is highly illegal.

READ MORE: Louisiana's Most Commonly Committed Crimes

3. Shark Fins - Shark Fin soup is a delicacy in some countries, but illegal in Louisiana.

Removing a shark's fin at sea and discarding the body is thankfully considered cruel and destructive.

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4. Whale Meat - Whale meat has been illegal in Louisiana and the United States since 1971 due to the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

From newsbreak.com -

"Whale meat is illegal in the U.S. due to international whale conservation efforts and the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972. This law prohibits the hunting, capture, and consumption of marine mammals, including whales, dolphins, and porpoises."

5. Dog and Cat Meat - This one will obviously come as no surprise.

What might come as a surprise is that it wasn't until 2018 that The Rexano Act was passed officially making the consumption of dogs and cats illegal in Louisiana and the U.S.

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6. Kangaroo Meat - Any and all kangaroo products, including meat, are officially banned from being imported into the U.S. due to the concern over the extinction of the animal.