Since the 1st of January 2006, new rules must be observed by shoots and individuals who supply game and venison (sale or gift). The rules are required to meet a European directive on food safety and are being supervised by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

BASC Director of Operations Simon Hamlyn said, “The rules are changing in the interests of greater food safety and will help to maintain the reputation of game as wild, healthy and nutritious food. From January, if you sell any amount of game to an approved game handling establishment – a game dealer approved by the FSA – you must be able to demonstrate you can satisfy these rules.

"BASC is providing training courses for this purpose, which are endorsed by the FSA. Our courses are running throughout the UK and last no longer than a day. Everyone who meets the course standards will be awarded a LV2 LANTRA Awards certificate from one of two independent awarding bodies.

Peter Hewson, Deputy Veterinary Director for the FSA, told BASC “The most robust way in which people can demonstrate their competence, is by obtaining an award from LANTRA Awards or the Royal Society for the Promotion of Health.”

Stalkers who are considering the DMQ (Deer Stalking Certificate Level 1) derogation option for demonstrating 'competence' must remember this option only relates to the large game. If you shoot small game as well, you will need to demonstrate competence for small game through another award such as the LV2 LANTRA Award.

If you have already successfully completed one of our training courses you can purchase a credit card sized ID card. Please send your name, address, two passport size photographs and the date and venue of the course you attended, plus £20 (made payable to BASC) to: Susan Bull, BASC, Marford Mill, Rossett, Wrexham LL12 0HL.

To book a place on a BASC Meat Hygiene course, please call 01244 573065. The cost of the training is £90, the assessment and award £30 (so the total cost of training and examination is £120).

BASC is the only shooting organisation that offers an award that is independently validated, and certificated to a national standard.

For more information and details of places on BASC training courses, please email us or write to the Training Department, BASC, Marford Mill, Rossett LL12 0HL . More details will also be available from BASC offices and stands at shows and events.     

Click here to visit the FSA website (external link)

Notes

The requirement for training comes from an EC regulation (853/2004) which aims to improve food hygiene standards across the European Union. The implementation  is being carried out by the Food Standards Agency in the UK.

You may be eligible for a grant towards your FSA Meat Hygiene Training.  To find out more information please contact your Local Rural Development Agency and your local council.

Click here for information on the new regulations in Scotland

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