It's not entirely accurate to say that lung is completely banned in the US. The more precise statement is that the sale of animal lungs for human consumption is banned in the United States. This ban, enacted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 1971, stems from concerns about food safety.
The Reason Behind the Ban
The primary concern is the risk of contamination during slaughter. During the process, stomach contents (ingesta) can enter the lungs through a type of acid-reflux reaction. This ingesta can harbor various disease-causing agents. The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) maintains a zero-tolerance policy for ingesta contamination in meat products. To prevent this risk and ensure public health, the sale of lungs for human consumption is prohibited. This applies to lungs from all livestock animals.
Several sources highlight this concern:
- USDA's 1971 ban: The USDA declared animal lungs unfit for human consumption in 1971 due to foodborne illness risks. (https://slate.com/technology/2023/02/usda-lung-meat-petition-food-haggis.html, https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/14/opinion/lungs-eat-usda-ban.html)
- Risk of contamination: During slaughter, stomach contents can contaminate lungs, posing a significant health risk. (https://www.eater.com/22774656/gastropod-offal-episode-edible-organs-lungs-testicles-brains, https://www.tastingtable.com/1048718/the-ingredient-that-got-haggis-banned-in-the-us/)
- Zero-tolerance policy: The USDA FSIS has a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding ingesta in animal products. This policy directly contributes to the lung ban. (Reference provided in prompt: During slaughter, stomach contents can get into animals' lungs through a kind of acid-reflux reaction. Stomach contents can spread disease, and the USDA FSIS has a zero-tolerance policy for this “ingesta” if spotted.)
It's important to note that while selling lungs for consumption is illegal, consuming them is not explicitly prohibited. However, obtaining them legally for consumption presents significant challenges due to the ban on commercial sale.
