Safe Game: Hygienic Habits in Self-Consumption of Game Meat in Eastern Spain

Abstract

We used anonymous questionnaires to assess the hygienic and sanitary aspects of game meat self-consumption in Eastern Spain as the first step towards a health risk assessment. The survey yielded 472 valid interviews from active hunters. The maximum possible score was 65 points (average 29 ± 8; range 1–52). Most participants were men (95%), but women achieved significantly better scores (p = 0.003). Hunters above 65 years old scored significantly lower results than younger groups (p = 0.007). The score increased with the educational level (p = 0.046). A 92% of the collaborators consumed game meat. Veterinary inspection and freezing were irregular among the participants. Most respondents declared carrying the animals in their personal vehicles. Of the dressing process, 61% of sites were outdoors, 68% of the participants declared using specific knives, 64% used the same clothes as in the field, and 42% used disposable gloves. The most usual way to dispose of the remains was garbage containers (41%); offal abandonment in the field was 33%, and 13% fed domestic animals using the remains. We conclude that public health authorities should increase their interest in the self-consumption of game meat. Clear guidelines about domestic dressing facilities and hygienic habits should be published, these being essential when looking for synergies with hunter associations.

Volume 12, No. 3, 2023

“… Improved slaughter and meat inspection: The slaughter process of wild meat animals presents a significant number of physical hazards that must be controlled or removed by trimming of affected parts during meat inspection as they pose a health risk (Kautto et al 2017). Improved cropping or wild meat animals' harvesting strategies could also present a better solution to the challenge posed by the slaughter of stressed animals that have been running (Lizana et al 2022). As mentioned, a helicopter could be utilized to guide the animals to a boma (enclosure), where animals will be rested before being shot in the head at close range (Bekker et al 2011).…”

Seasonal Variation in the Body Composition, Carcass Composition, and Offal Quality in the Wild Fallow Deer (Dama dama L.)

“…As pointed out by Volpelli et al [ 35 ], there are additional sources of variation in the weight of the carcass and organs, such as the diet and age of the fallow deer. The available literature points out the seasonal variation in the quality of venison [ 15 , 36 ].…”

“…Research focusing on the effect of the seasons on the body composition of wild ungulates is of significant importance as the proportion of the most valuable cuts and the not-edible parts (skin, head, and feet) determines the profitability of this special branch in the meat industry [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ]. According to the available research, the seasonal changes in the body condition of wild animals are related to the photoperiod and feed availability, with the second factor strictly dependent upon the type of environment and the population density [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ]. Venison is valued as a culinary meat in different parts of the world [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ], but its popularity in the production of processed products is also increasing [ 20 ].…”

Zoonotic Parasites in Feral Animals Commonly Consumed in Australia — Is There a Risk?

“…Although wild game meat is more commonly eaten in many rural, remote and/or poor areas around the world [2], there has been a recent increase in the consumption of wild game meat in urban and higher socioeconomic regions [2][3][4][5] such as Australia. Wild game meat is considered rich in nutrients, low in fat and is usually sustainably sourced [3,6,7] which, along with the environmental benefits of removing feral species from the environment, has helped increase levels of consumption in Australia [3,8].…”