Background: Lead contamination from hunting ammunition in game meat has been a recognized issue for decades, with significant environmental and health impacts. Despite regulations reducing lead use in certain ammunition types, lead bullets remain common in deer hunting, leading to potential health risks when this meat is donated to food banks. This study aims to address the practice and risks associated with donated game-hunted meat within the Ohio food bank system, focusing on stakeholders' roles, awareness, and existing safety measures.

Methods: Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 26 stakeholders, including meat processors, meat distribution organizations, state meat inspectors, food banks, and food pantries in Ohio and Minnesota. Participants were recruited via convenience sampling and interviewed about their knowledge and practices related to lead contamination in donated game meat. The interviews, averaging 25 minutes in length, covered topics such as the use of lead ammunition, food safety practices, and organizational safety measures. The data was systematically coded and analyzed using content analysis to identify patterns and themes.

Results: Significant disparities in awareness and safety measures were found between Ohio and Minnesota stakeholders. Ohio food banks and pantries exhibited minimal awareness of lead contamination risks (0/18 participants) and relied heavily on meat processors for safety, with few processors employing comprehensive safety measures beyond basic bullet removal. In contrast, Minnesota implements a robust system involving mandatory x-ray screening funded by hunting license surcharges. This system significantly reduces the risk of lead contamination, though it faces financial and logistical challenges. Notably, approximately 5-15% of donated meat in Minnesota is discarded annually due to lead contamination. Food banks and pantries in Ohio expressed a strong willingness to learn and implement safety changes when informed about the risks.

Conclusion: This study reveals a critical health risk within the Ohio food bank system due to lead-contaminated game meat. Increased awareness and targeted interventions, such as warning labels and improved processing practices, are essential to mitigate this risk. The willingness of Ohio stakeholders to implement changes underscores the need for educational campaigns and policy discussions to enhance food safety. By adopting measures similar to those in Minnesota, Ohio could improve the safety of donated game meat. Collaborative efforts between states could further refine these interventions and promote nationwide food safety standards.