ST. PAUL (WCCO) — Minnesota food shelves aren’t getting as much venison as they have in years past. Some lawmakers say that’s because tighter rules are making it too difficult for meat processors to donate. So, a new bill has been introduced to reduce those regulations.

Right now, the state requires X-rays of the deer meet to ensure it’s not contaminated with bullet fragments.

Donations are down from almost 79,000 pounds in 2007 to about 20 thousand pounds in 2010.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture cites tests that found lead in nearly a quarter of venison samples checked before the x-ray requirement. The new bill would eliminate the x-rays.