8 Illegal Meats to BBQ This Summer in Central Washington

There are some foods that used to be available, even as soon as a few years ago. But now they're not on any menus for a variety of reasons.

Mostly because they're now considered illegal.

In the United States, some of these foods are protected. Not even always due to unsafety or anything like that, but more of an ethical side of things. Interesting.

Puffer Fish is one example where it's illegal to eat here in the United States because of how toxic it could be if not prepared correctly.

Foods that could be available outside of the United States, even as close as Canada and Mexico, they could be available there, but not here.

That's right. The same nation that gives us high carb, high calorie, high fructose corn syrup says some foods aren't allowed.

Chowhound listed some foods that we used to eat but are now protected so you can't just be nibbling on these anymore.
Something to keep in mind for the future when you pull out great-grandpa's old recipe cookbook.

Horse
I want to say I read a while back that horses almost became extinct because they were used for food first until they learned they could be trained for riding and more. Although some cultures may still eat horse many won't sell it here in the United States.

Owl
Owl is one I never thought about eating, as much as I love poultry. These birds are heavily protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.

Robin meat
Same with owls, what once was something people would eat is now protected.

Sea turtle meat
Although turtle soup was once something you'd see on menus in the 1800s into the 1900s it's not something you'll fine anymore. Or I should say often as, yes, it's a federal crime to eat sea turtle meat but some turtle may still be available.

Whale meat
Whales were once used not only for meat but also oil and more. They're now protected thanks to the International Whaling Commission.

Dog meat
Believe it or not the Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act which makes it illegal to not just prepare dogs (and cats) for meat but the buying and selling with intention is also illegal.

Shark fins
This is something on the list I've actually tried. There was a Chinese restaurant in Portland that had shark fin soup on the menu. I had to try it as I didn't know if I'd ever see it on another menu ever again (which I still never have). I thought it tasted great but, yes, shark fins are now outlawed due to the Shark Finning Prohibition Act in 2000.

Bat meat
Double protected under both Endangered Species Act and the Fish and Wildlife Act.