What is the primary requirement for the disposal of unembalmed remains in Missouri?

In Missouri, the primary requirement for the disposal of unembalmed remains is that they must be incinerated or buried. This regulation is put in place to ensure public health and safety, as unembalmed remains can decompose quickly and pose health risks if not disposed of properly. Incineration is a method that effectively eliminates the remains and any potential pathogens, while burial must follow specific regulations to ensure that the remains are interred in a manner that is respectful and safe.

Refrigeration is often a requirement for storing unembalmed remains temporarily, but it does not fulfill the final disposal requirement. Similarly, while immediate transportation of remains is necessary in some contexts, it does not replace the need for a proper and lawful method of disposal. Beyond that, burial has specific guidelines surrounding grave depth to prevent disturbances, but it cannot simply be done at any depth without following local regulations. Therefore, incineration or burial is the established standard for the final disposition of unembalmed remains in Missouri.