Pineville, La. (4/22/2026) – A deer discovered inside a freezer at a Pineville restaurant has triggered a state investigation and renewed public concern.
Police responded on April 21, 2026, to the 2900 block of Cottingham Expressway after a complaint about suspicious activity behind a restaurant. According to authorities, a caller reported an employee skinning a dead animal at the location.
When officers arrived, they confirmed the animal was a deer. Investigators said the deer was reportedly collected after being found dead along the roadside. However, the situation escalated when officers discovered the deer stored in a freezer alongside other food items. Those items were allegedly intended to be served to customers.
Because of the potential health risks, officers immediately contacted the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and the Louisiana Department of Health. Both agencies responded and are now handling their respective parts of the investigation. Police stated that any questions regarding violations should be directed to those agencies as the case moves forward.
As attention shifts to the restaurant, state records show China Queen Pineville health inspection reports have documented multiple violations over time. While the recent incident remains under investigation, past inspections provide additional context about ongoing compliance concerns.
During an April 10, 2026 inspection, officials cited several critical violations. Employees were observed drinking in food preparation areas, and inspectors found chemicals stored near food and equipment. In addition, some utensils and equipment did not meet approved material standards, and plumbing issues were also noted. Inspectors marked most of these violations as corrected during the visit.
Earlier Reports
Still, earlier reports suggest these issues are not isolated. In 2025, inspections revealed concerns involving cross contamination, including improper separation of raw animal products. Officials also cited the absence of a valid food safety certification at that time. These findings pointed to gaps in basic food handling practices.
Beyond critical violations, non-critical issues have appeared consistently across inspections. Reports frequently mention unclean surfaces, structural maintenance concerns, and improper storage practices. In some cases, inspectors labeled these as repeat violations, indicating ongoing challenges in maintaining compliance.
More recently, a March 2026 complaint inspection noted a missing handwashing sign for customers. Although minor on its own, it adds to a broader pattern reflected in inspection records.
Taken together, the deer incident and the restaurant’s inspection history have drawn increased scrutiny from both regulators and the public. Officials have not announced any enforcement actions at this time, but the investigation remains active.
We will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
For other news on food safety standards in Louisiana, Visit the Louisiana Health Inspections Dashboard.
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