Public Consultation on the selling of Wild Game - The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine have launched a public consultation (details below) on the compulsory implementation of the trained person declaration used when selling game to approved game handling establishments. As you will be aware to achieve this standard requires the successful completion of two exams at an approx cost of €400. We would be interested in hearing your views on whether this should be compulsory to meet the UK export requirements for wild game? The proposed implementation date is November 1st 2013 is this realistic? Any other views you may have? Please reply to us no later than August 14th 2013 with your comments. We are aware of at least one approved game handling establishment who is canvassing hunters suggesting the implementation date has been agreed, this is incorrect and ignores the public consultation process. PUBLIC CONSULTATION REQUIREMENT THAT ALL WILD GAME PRESENTED TO APPROVED GAME HANDLING ESTABLISHMENTS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A TRAINED HUNTER DECLARATION Background The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is proposing to make it compulsory that hunters who supply wild game to the market must undergo formal training in food hygiene, as required under EU Regulations. Before introducing this requirement the Department wants to consult with interested parties. This document explains what is involved. Trained Persons The authorities in Ireland have encouraged hunter organisations to provide hunters with training in food hygiene. In December 2011 the authorities approved one such course for the training of hunters provided by the NARGC. Other organisations are invited to provide similar training. It is normal practice across Europe for hunters to have this ‘trained persons’ qualification. Hunting for Own Consumption The hunting of wild game for own use is outside the scope of the hygiene package regulations. The ‘trained persons’ requirement is for those who hunt wild game with the intention of placing it on the market for human consumption and it does not apply to hunters who only hunt for domestic use. Presentation to an Approved Game Handling Establishment The Department proposes that all wild game presented to Approved Game Handling Establishments should be accompanied by a trained person declaration. Many wild deer shot in Ireland are sold to the UK ‘in the skin’. The UK authorities are now insisting that all these deer must be presented with a trained person declaration to the approved game handling establishment. Where a hunter is part of a hunting party, it is sufficient that only one person of the hunting team has the requisite training. The trained hunter can undertake the necessary examination and sign the declaration for the other hunters in the hunting party. Date of Introduction The Department proposes introducing the ‘trained person’ requirement from 1st November 2013. If you wish to comment on these proposals you are invited to make a written submission to Public Consultation, Meat Hygiene Section, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Grattan Business Centre, Portlaoise or by email to [email protected] by Monday 19th August 2013.
Posted on: Mon, 29 Jul 2013 12:22:32 +0000
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