The Food Safety Authority of Ireland have opened a new consultation on the FSAI website (www.fsai.ie). This consultation concerns the proposed introduction of National Rules for small quantities of wild game and wild game meat. The proposed rules will impact on all stalkers handling or dealing in venison as a result of their deer management or stalking activities and stalkers are encouraged to participate in the consultation process.

The introduction in 2006 of new European Regulations on food hygiene established a “farm to fork” approach to food safety with Regulation (EC) No. 852/2004 laying down common rules for all food businesses and Regulation (EC) 853/2004 applying additional requirements to businesses handling foods of animal origin. The Regulations acknowledge the close existing relationships between consumers and hunters supplying small quantities of wild game and wild game meat locally and so allows for Member Sates to draw up National Rules regulating this activity to ensure protection of public health.

With this in mind it is proposed to introduce national legislation in Ireland governing the direct supply by the hunter of small quantities of wild game (as primary product) and wild game meat to the final consumer or to local retail establishments directly supplying the final consumer. Hunting and preparation of game for private domestic consumption in the household of the hunter is exempt from these rules.

The proposed national legislation sets out the scope of activities that will be permitted under the rules including definitions for:

§ Small quantities
§ Local

General hygiene requirements are also outlined as well as specific training requirements for persons who hunt wild game with a view to placing it on the market for human consumption.

An Information Note and the Consultation Document (Proposed Rules) can be accessed on the FSAI website at: http://www.fsai.ie/consultations/index.asp

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland welcomes comments by 5pm on Thursday, 5th June 2008, by email to consultation@fsai.ie, by fax to Consultations at 01 8171 301 or by post to Consultations, Food Safety Authority of Ireland, Abbey Court, Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1