Alleged roadkill found in Chinese restaurant freezer, Pineville police confirm

PINEVILLE, La. (KALB) - China Queen in Pineville has responded to a viral Facebook post circulated on April 22, accusing the restaurant of being in possession of “roadkill.”

A sign was posted on the door that said:

“We apologize for the recent incident. The item involved was never intended to be served to customers, but it was improperly stored. It has been fully cleaned and sanitized. We are cooperating with health authorities and have corrected our procedures to ensure this does not happen again. Thank you for your understanding.”

China Queen incident

The viral Facebook post, which has since been taken down, claimed that an employee at the China Queen in Pineville was seen skinning a dead animal. They also provided a photo of the alleged incident.

Pineville Police released a statement, which said they sent officers out to the 2900 block of Cottingham Expressway after receiving a complaint related to the viral post.

China Queen incident

At the restaurant, officers said they found evidence indicating that the dead animal was a deer. The deer had allegedly been collected after being found dead on the side of the road.

Officers then investigated the restaurant’s freezer, where they found the deer carcass alongside other food that was allegedly supposed to be served to customers.

PPD reportedly contacted the Louisiana Department of Health and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Both arrived at the scene and have begun their own investigations.

PPD said all questions about wildlife violations or health codes should be directed to the LDWF and LDH, respectively.

La. Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries Permits Coordinator Bradley Breland emphasized that the collection or harvesting of roadkill is illegal, without prior permission from LDWF.

“Illegal possession of a deer, which would be possession of roadkill, essentially, is a class four violation in Louisiana. Class four violations, can have a fine from 400 to 950 dollars, [and] up to 120 days in prison or both.
Bradley Breland, La. Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries Permits Coordinator

Additionally, roadkill could become contaminated or potentially harbor dangerous bacteria. “The main thing is, how long has it been there?” Breland explained. “Heat, moisture, and bacterial growth are the main causes of meat spoilage. So, ideally, you want that meat to be stored at 40 degrees or less. The longer it’s there, our moist human environment lends itself to bacterial growth.”

China Queen Buffet’s Previous Health Code Violations

According to records with the Louisiana Department of Health, China Queen Buffet is a repeat violator of state health codes.

Using time only as a public health control, food was not marked or otherwise identified with the time within which it would be cooked, served, or discarded.
Employee was drinking in a food preparation or other area where food equipment, utensils or other items requiring protection were stored.
Equipment and/or utensils are not constructed of approved materials.
Chemicals are stored with/above food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service or single-use articles.
- Additional non-critical citations
- - Bulk containers are not properly labeled.
  - Food is not stored in a clean, covered container.
  - Single-service and single-use articles are reused
  - Employees’ personal care items are stored where food equipment, utensils, linens, single-service items, or single-use items may be contaminated.
  - Openings are not protected against the entry of rodents or insects
  - Walls/ceilings or attached equipment are not clean.

However, reports throughout 2025 report similar health code violations. See below: