Retailers, foodservice operators and consumers buying venison need to know exactly where it comes from to avoid purchasing meat from unregistered businesses, the Deer Initiative has warned.

The DI, which manages the wild deer population in England and Wales, said stalkers were not always aware they had to register their premises if they regularly supplied venison. “Meat supplied through unsuitable premises could pose a risk to consumers,” said DI deer liaison officer David Hooton.

The law allows hunters to supply small quantities of game meat directly to consumers or local retailers and foodservice operators, as long as they do so only occasionally.

Topics