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Game industry responding well to new legislations

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Results of the 2006 national survey conducted by the Game-to-Eat campaign demonstrates the game industry is responding well to the new EU food hygiene legislation requirements for game meat that came into force on 1st January 2006.

The survey shows 93% of game producers are fully versed in the new regulations.

Hygiene and quality are key issues and 81% of full-time keepered producers now report having a purpose-built game cart. This has increased from 62% in 2002 and clearly indicates that producers are investing in ensuring quality control throughout the food chain. There is also a commitment to improving the handling of game meat.

The industry is also investing in food hygiene training. The findings show that 77% of full time gamekeepers have had formal training in hygiene practises – this is up from 24% in 2004.

A third of the game producers already have chillers and a further 38% of the larger producers are likely to invest in one in the next 12 months.

Pricing has remained fairly static with the price paid by game dealers for pheasant and partridge at similar prices to 2004. However the survey indicates that the more a producer can process its own game, the higher price it will attract.

The species split in the overall UK game bag remains constant with pheasant dominating (70%) followed by partridge (29%). National bags for grouse and wildfowl are lower.

The findings come from a survey of game producers conducted during the 2005/2006 shooting season. It also includes comparisons with earlier surveys, that suggest important changes and trends are taking place. The survey was carried out on behalf of the Countryside Alliance and 786 producers responded.

Alexia Robinson of the Game-to Eat campaign said: “I am delighted that the Game Meat research has been repeated again during the 2005/2006 shooting season. It shows the industry is responding well to the new EU food hygiene legislations. The increase in game producers with formal training in food hygiene has increased considerably and is great news for the industry.”

She added: “With the industry continuing to make these sorts of improvements, retailers and caterers can expect to see a more robust supply of quality game throughout the season.”

The survey was conducted by an independent research company - Compass Research. 786 postal questionnaires were returned by producers and analysed. In addition a phone survey was carried out with 25 of the biggest producers.

The full findings of the survey are available on the website,

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For further information call Jane Saward/Hilary Leathes at Field McNally Leathes on 01273 834716 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Jane Saward