Hunters are traditionally among the high consumers of game meat. They are therefore a particular focus when it comes to possible health risks associated with the consumption of game meat. However, they are also food producers, as they process and market the game they hunt. As such, they are also responsible for ensuring the safety of game as food. On the first day of the symposium, the focus will initially be on the past: the speakers will review how the BfR has contributed to the food safety in game meat over the past 15 years.
In this context, there has been much discussion about metallic fragments entering animals from non-lead and lead hunting ammunition, respectively. The level of entry should be kept as low as possible to minimise the health risk posed by the substances introduced. At the same time, the kinetic energy of the bullet must remain sufficiently high to ensure that the game can be killed in accordance with animal welfare standards. In extensive ballistic tests, international scientists have investigated how to test bullets in a standardised manner with regard to these objectives. They examined, for example, the suitability of soap and gelatine as ballistic test simulants.
At the symposium, researchers from the BfR and five external participants in the round robin test, such as the German Experimental and Test Institute for Hunting and Sporting Firearms (“Deutsche Versuchs- und Prüf-Anstalt für Jagd- und Sportwaffen e.V.”, DEVA) and the University of the German Federal Armed Forces (Universität der Bundeswehr), will present the results of the round robin test and their experiences.
On the second day of the event, BfR Vice-President Dr. Tewes Tralau will look into the future: in his closing remarks, he will outline the expected developments and challenges in the coming years.
Interested journalists are cordially invited to attend.
Information about the event:
Symposium "Wild Game – Researched!"
4 February, 1 p.m. to 5 February, approx. 1 p.m.
Location: Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Diedersdorfer Weg 1, 12277 Berlin Marienfelde, Building 3, Lecture Hall
Further information on food safety of game
Press Release: Meat of wild game animals should become safer
https://www.bfr.bund.de/en/press-release/meat-of-wild-game-animals-should-become-safer/
Research project “Safety in the Game Meat Chain”
https://www.bfr.bund.de/en/project/safety-in-the-game-meat-chain/
About the BfR
The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) is a scientifically independent institution within the portfolio of the German Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity (BMLEH). It protects people's health preventively in the fields of public health and veterinary public health. The BfR provides advice to the Federal Government as well as the Federal States (‘Laender’) on questions related to food, feed, chemical and product safety. The BfR conducts its own research on topics closely related to its assessment tasks.