Roadkill found in Chinese restaurant freezer after workers caught skinning carcass outside

A Louisiana Chinese restaurant is under scrutiny after authorities discovered a deer carcass in its freezer, raising questions about food safety and legal violations.

The situation came to light after a now-deleted Facebook post claimed that employees at China Queen in Pineville were seen skinning a dead animal behind the restaurant. Police were called to investigate on April 22. According to officials, a witness showed officers a photo of a staff member with blood on his hands.

When officers searched the premises, they found a deer stored in the restaurant’s freezer alongside other food items. The employee involved told police he had picked up the animal from the roadside earlier that morning, around 10 a.m., with plans to use it for soup. Authorities said they could not determine whether the meat was meant for personal use or for customers.

The discovery has prompted separate investigations by the Louisiana Department of Health and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Officials noted that while eating deer meat is common in the state, it is illegal to possess roadkill without permission from law enforcement. They also warned that improperly handled wild game can quickly develop harmful bacteria, posing serious health risks.

A wildlife official explained that unlawfully possessing a deer in this manner is considered a class four violation, which could lead to penalties including a fine of up to $950 and as much as 120 days in jail, depending on the circumstances.

The restaurant has faced issues before. Earlier in April, a health inspection reportedly uncovered several critical violations, including unsafe storage practices such as placing chemicals above food. Inspectors later confirmed that those problems had been corrected during a follow-up visit.