Threat to future supplies of wild game meat
15/11/05

photo courtesy of www.burtshotel.co.uk

There is growing concern that ignorance or complacency could result in a shortage of wild game meat when new EU regulations come into force in two months time.

The new legislation, which will be implemented by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), requires that from 1 January 2006 anyone shooting and supplying a quantity of game meat to a game dealer must be 'a trained person'. Fears have been expressed by the land-based awarding body, Lantra Awards, that complacency, or lack of understanding of how simple it is to qualify, could result in many current suppliers no longer being able to do so legally.

The regulations primarily affect game hunters supplying meat to game dealers, of whom it is estimated to be more than 5,000 in the UK, who will need to receive appropriate training and/or certification in game meat hygiene.

In close consultation with the industry, Lantra Awards has developed a Level 2 Certificate in Wild Game Meat Hygiene. This qualification has been approved by the FSA and Lantra Sector Skills Council as demonstrating the competence required to be able to supply game meat.

The qualification uses a multiple-choice assessment to assess competence that can be taken either written or verbally. To date, some 700 people have successfully secured the qualification through Lantra Awards.

A free information pack is available for training providers wanting to offer the qualification. Any individual needing 'trained person status' should contact Lantra Awards for a list of centres approved to offer the qualification. Telephone 024 7641 9703 or e-mail awards@lantra.co.uk

* Lantra Awards specialises in qualifications and training for people in the land-based sector and has more than 30 years experience in this field. It has incorporate the former National Fencing Training Authority and works closely with the highways industry. Lantra Awards is an approved NVQ/SVQ and VRQ awarding body.

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