The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) urges consumers to use caution when purchasing venison, processed specialty venison products, and other meats, in a recent press release.

“MDARD works tirelessly to make sure businesses are following the law to keep your food safe and help your family stay healthy,” Tim Slawinski, director of MDARD’s Bureau of Food Safety and Animal Health, said in the release. “Before you buy venison products, check the product label and make sure the food was processed at an approved facility. And when shopping online, don’t assume that all online marketplaces and vendors are licensed and inspected companies.”

According to MDARD, reviewing a product label is a good way to tell if venison is being offered for sale legally. A proper product label will list the product’s ingredients; weight of the product; name, address, and contact information for the licensed food business; and expiration date.

MDARD states in the release that consumers should refrain from purchasing venison products from vendors, websites, and online marketplaces that fail to provide product labels and ingredient lists. Consumers may always request to see a copy of the seller’s food license.

In Michigan, there are three ways to legally sell venison, elk meat, and meat from other cervids, according to the release. They include:

— Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) licensed facilities that process deer and elk. These facilities are inspected by MDARD and sold through MDARD-licensed retail grocery stores or wholesale facilities. Products include proper labeling as required under the Michigan Food Law.

— MDARD-licensed and inspected meat processors can accept hunter-harvested deer and process it into ground meat or sausage, with added fat from other animals and spices. They can make jerky and smoked meats with a special variance issued by MDARD, along with a food establishment license.

— Hunters can take their deer to a custom meat processor that does not have a license if the venison is simply cut and wrapped. This meat must be marked as “Not for Sale” and used for personal use by the hunter. This meat can be shared with friends and family by the hunter but not resold. If further processing like grinding with added fat, sausage making, or smoking is needed, the processor must be licensed.

According to MDARD, food products that are not properly prepared or handled can become contaminated with organisms like E. coli which can cause serious illness or even death. Purchasing food products from a licensed and inspected source helps reduce the risk of foodborne illness.