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Research report

​Review of food hygiene regulatory regimes in the Scottish wild game sector

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Summary

Scottish Agricultural College
Leat, P ;
Animal Health Research Group, SAC Commercial Ltd
Low, J

The findings of this review will be used to provide clear guidance for local authorities on the effectiveness of the regulatory framework, which will facilitate a proportionate enforcement regime for the wild game sector and ensure that food business operators (FBOs) are clear about their responsibilities, ensuring that the public health is further protected.

This review, complied by the Scottish Agricultural College (now Scotland’s Rural College), examined the implementation and enforcement of the EU food hygiene regulations in the Scottish wild game sector. The authors interviewed 45 stakeholders involved in different aspects of the industry including enforcement officials, hunters, gamekeepers, approved game handling establishments and other food businesses.

They found that the implementation of the EU food hygiene regulations in 2006 has been largely beneficial and there is widespread recognition in the sector of their positive impact in raising hygiene standards. However, the report identifies certain areas where improvements could be made, particularly to address any confusion around the various regulatory exemptions available to the wild game sector.

A set of recommendations have been put forward which aim to assist the wild game industry and enforcement authorities to interpret the regulations and minimise potential food safety risks. These include:

  • emphasising the importance of good hygiene practice and maintenance of the cold chain in hunter education
  • the development of training for local authority enforcement officers, raising awareness on the requirements for registration
  • the need to review FSA guidance

The report suggests that stakeholders would find these developments useful to better understand their roles in the supply of wild game, to stimulate enterprise and promote business growth, and to protect public health. This would help to strengthen consumer confidence in wild game as a safe and healthy Scottish food product.

The FSA is already in the process of reviewing the Wild Game Guide and will be considering all the report recommendations in liaison with other relevant bodies to identify where further action may be needed.

Project Code: FS425011