Section 571.116.7. Meat processors.

       116.7(1) Eligibility. To participate in the HUSH program, each meat processor shall enter into a uniform annual agreement with the department which details the meat processor’s participation. The agreement shall be signed by the meat processor and the department by August 1 prior to the coming deer season. Exceptions to this date may be considered by the HUSH council, which will then make recommendations to the department.

       116.7(2) Requirements. Meat processors shall accept the entire field-dressed carcass of a donated deer, pursuant to 571—116.3(483A), and shall not assess any fees or costs to donors. Information from the donor is required for each donated deer and shall be submitted on forms provided by the department. Payment shall not be made to a meat processor without this information.

       116.7(3) Venison. Meat processors shall accept a donated deer, pursuant to 571—116.3(483A), if the meat processor determines the venison is in acceptable condition. Deer shall be processed into pure ground venison with no additives, put into bags provided by the department, and frozen prior to being received by a representative of the Food Bank of Iowa or another designated distributor. Venison pickup shall be initiated by the meat processor by contacting the meat processor’s designated pickup person.

       116.7(4) Venison pickup. At the time of venison pickup, the meat processor shall provide accurate information and an official signature on a form provided by the department. The meat processor shall retain one copy of the form for billing purposes and one copy for the meat processor’s business records.

       116.7(5) Billing the distributor. To receive payment for venison processing, the meat processor shall submit to the distributor a copy of the venison pickup and invoice form, the department form that provides information on each donated deer, and any additional information that is required by the department on the form provided.