FSA launches consultation on revised wild game guidance  

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has launched an eight-week consultation on the revised guidance to the Supply of Wild Game for Human Consumption. The guidance has been updated with the aim to improve clarity regarding EU and UK Regulation requirements for the wild game industry.

Th guidance is intended primarily for industry who hunt and sell wild game for human consumption, but the FSA noted that officers responsible for the supervision, monitoring and enforcement in Approved Game Handling Establishments (AGHEs) and registered game premises may also find the information helpful.

The FSA explained that the revised guidance does not contain any change in policy, but it reflects greater clarity around EU Regulations for the wild game industry; mainly for the hunters, processors and the retailers who shoot and supply wild game and wild game meat.

Main proposals include:

• Clarity in relation to EU Regulations for hunter and retail exemptions
• Change in layout of the original guide to improve readability
• Clarity from current EU regulations within areas such as the game larder, transport, traceability, primary producers and hunter/hunting party
• Intended audience: guide is specifically for the industry (hunters and retailers), not food law enforcement authorities as the previous guide suggests (although it may prove useful when undertaking enforcement checks)
• Terminology: term ‘shooter’ has been removed. Hunter is a single term that covers both hunting and shooting.

Within three months of a consultation ending, the FSA aims to publish a summary of responses received.

The consultation has been prepared in accordance with HM Government Consultation Principles. Responses are required by 11 September 2020.