Deer meat found in the freezer of Casa Lopez Thursday sparked an investigation by a state agency.
The Mexican restaurant, located at 1017 E. State St., is being investigated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources District Four Division of Wildlife in Athens after district agents saw deer meat in the freezer, said Mark Hemming, the district's manager.
It is unknown if the deer meat belonged to the restaurant or to an employee because the case is still under investigation, Hemming said.
Division officials are more concerned with the legality of hunting the deer than the health risks involved with housing the deer meat in the freezer, Hemming said.
The Athens City-County Health Department is handling the violations of health and restaurant regulations associated with storing the meat in the freezer, Hemming said.
Health Department officials could not be reached for comment.
The restaurant might receive a citation from the district, Hemming said, but he was unable to discuss the type of citation because the investigation is pending.
Casa Lopez management could not be reached for comment.
The recent deer meat investigation is not the first time the Mexican restaurant has been scrutinized by the Health Department. During Ohio University's Moms Weekend, April 30 and May 2, 45 people who ate at the restaurant reported cases of salmonella.
The restaurant's refrigerator and food preparation areas were not cool enough to meet health standards, according to inspections done by the Ohio Department of Agriculture and the Ohio Department of Health.
All of the violations were corrected, according to inspection reports.
The restaurant is facing two lawsuits because of the salmonella cases but is denying negligence.
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Marika Lee
