Just when you thought pregnancy cravings were a as good a reason as any to sink your teeth into a big ol' juicy side of venison, they come out with another thing you can't do when you're pregnant. Or a little kid, for that matter. The State of North Dakota has come out with a warning for all pregnant women and parents of young children to avoid wild game shot with lead bullets.
A study of the lead levels of state residents, done in concert with researchers from the CDC, showed a marked difference in the lead levels of those who eat wild game. Heightened levels of lead have been linked to learning problems and convulsions in kids, sometimes even brain damage and death. The CDC epedimiologist who worked on the study says none of the levels were actually high enough to cause a problem, and none of the people who tested above "normal" were sick. It's simply "a concern," he said.
Warnings have already been issued for food pantries to throw out donated venison in North Dakota, and it's possible the scare will extend to other states. Which begs the question, what happens to the families who depend on wild game for food - especially in light of the economic downturn? Is the state overreacting or just playing it safe?
Image: AllGreen.com
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