Workshop: Animals as Bioindicators
Venue:
Natural History Museum of the Institute of Systematics
and Evolution of Animals, Polish Academy of Sciences
Event Format: Joint hybrid event of the COST Actions BeSafeBeeHoney (CA22105) and SafeGameMeat
Workshop Dates: 16 September 2025, 1:00 PM CEST – 18 September 2025, 1:00 PM CEST
Workshop Focus
The Workshop Animals as Bioindicators will provide a platform for experts, researchers, and stakeholders to exchange knowledge and experience on the use of animals as indicators of environmental quality. Key discussion topics will include:
- Wildlife health monitoring – species as sentinels of environmental change
- Pollutant exposure – bioaccumulation and biomagnification in ecosystems
- Policy and management – integrating bioindicators into environmental safety frameworks
Workshop: Mapping the Invisible – Trade, Logistics and Flows of Game Meat in Europe
Venue: Cappella Mellerio, Domodossola, Italy
Event Format: Hybrid workshop hosted by the COST Action SafeGameMeat
Workshop Dates: 26 June 2025, 2:00 PM CET – 27 June 2025, 12:30 PM CET
Workshop Focus
The Mapping the Invisible workshop brings together experts, researchers, and stakeholders to explore the trade networks, logistics, and commodity flows of game meat in Europe. Key topics include:
- Trade Networks – Mapping the routes and actors involved in game meat trade
- Logistics Challenges – Transportation and regulatory complexities in the game meat supply chain
- Collaboration for Knowledge Exchange – Building a collaborative report to summarize findings from European countries
1st SafeGameMeat Conference
Venue: Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto (LINK)
Conference Dates: 26 May 2025, 1:00 PM WEST (UTC+1) – 28 May 2025, 1:00 PM WEST (UTC+1)
Conference Focus
The 1st SafeGameMeat Conference will bring together experts, researchers, and stakeholders to explore the game meat supply chain from field to fork. Key discussion topics will include:
- Hunting and processing – best practices and regulatory perspectives
- Trade networks and supply chains – market trends and key challenges
- Chemical hazards – contaminants and consumer safety
- Biological hazards – microbial risks and prevention strategies
Key Questions to Be Addressed
- How do hunting practices, processing, inspection, trade, legislation, and consumption of game meat differ across Europe?
- What chemical and biological risks must be considered to ensure consumer health and food safety?
SafeGameMeat Session at the Wild Game Meat Chain Congress
Session Date: 11 April 2025 | 09:00–13:30 (UTC)
Venue: Department of Veterinary Sciences, Grugliasco Campus, University of Turin
Format: On-site and online participation
COST Action CA22166 – Safety in the Game Meat Chain (SafeGameMeat) will host a dedicated session during the 4th Italian National Congress “The Wild Game Meat Chain”, held at the University of Turin from 9–11 April 2025.
The session will be conducted in English and will feature presentations from all four SafeGameMeat Working Groups, addressing key topics in game meat safety and supply chain management.
This session is co-financed by COST Action SafeGameMeat (CA22166) and supported by COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology).
Workshop: Analysis of Synergies and Overlaps within the Game Meat Chain
Venue: Research Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment "BIOR", Riga, Latvia
Event Format: In-person workshop hosted by the COST Action SafeGameMeat
Workshop Dates: 2 October 2024, 12:00 PM CET – 3 October 2024, 12:00 PM CET
Workshop Focus
The Analysis of Synergies and Overlaps within the Game Meat Chain workshop will bring together experts, researchers, and stakeholders to analyze the interactions and connections between different sectors of the game meat chain. Through group discussions and collaborative activities, we aim to uncover synergies and identify potential overlaps. Key topics include:
- Synergies – Exploring collaborative opportunities within the game meat supply chain
- Overlaps – Identifying areas of inefficiency or redundancy within the process
- Improving Collaboration – Developing strategies to enhance cooperation across the industry
Workshop: Hunting and Game Meat Chain
Venue: Research Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment "BIOR", Riga, Latvia
Event Format: In-person workshop hosted by the COST Action SafeGameMeat
Workshop Dates: 1 October 2024, 12:00 PM CET – 2 October 2024, 12:00 PM CET
Workshop Focus
The Hunting and Game Meat Chain workshop will bring together experts, researchers, and stakeholders to discuss the hunting process and its impact on the game meat supply chain. Participants will engage in collaborative discussions and data collection across various countries. Key topics include:
- Data Collection – Understanding the hunting process and game meat flow across different European regions
- Game Meat Safety – Exploring how the hunting industry influences meat safety and quality
- Collaboration for Knowledge Sharing – Creating a comprehensive overview of practices across the European game meat industry
Workshop: Health Risks and Bioavailability of Metal Residues from Hunting Ammunition in Game Meat
Venue: Hotel Svanen, Billund, Denmark
Event Format: Hybrid workshop hosted by the COST Action SafeGameMeat
Workshop Dates: 10 September 2024, 1:00 PM CET – 11 September 2024, 12:00 PM CET
Workshop Focus
The Health Risks and Bioavailability of Metal Residues from Hunting Ammunition in Game Meat workshop will explore the health risks and environmental impacts of metal residues from hunting ammunition in game meat. The workshop will focus on reducing lead ammunition use, regulatory activities, and public perception of associated risks. Key topics include:
- Metal Residues in Game Meat – Understanding the contamination routes and health risks associated with hunting ammunition residues
- National Initiatives – Reviewing national efforts to reduce lead ammunition use and their regulatory frameworks
- Public Perception – Evaluating the awareness and risk perception from hunters, authorities, and the general public
1st General Meeting
Hybrid Meeting in Vienna, Austria
Date: 02-03 May 2024
The 1st General Meeting provided a valuable opportunity for participants to connect, learn about the network, and understand the mission of the SafeGameMeat Action along with its Working Groups. Hosted in a hybrid format at the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), the meeting brought together experts from various fields, such as hunting, economics, microbiology, hygiene training, parasitology, epidemiology, chemistry, and meat technology.
This event was a significant step in fostering collaboration across these diverse sectors, ensuring a unified approach to achieving the objectives of SafeGameMeat.
Meeting materials (for registered members only) can be accessed here: Link
Official Launch of the SafeGameMeat Action
Kick-Off Meeting in Brussels, Belgium
Date: 29 September 2023
The COST Action SafeGameMeat was officially launched in Brussels, marking the beginning of a significant initiative to enhance game meat safety. The Kick-Off Meeting brought together representatives from 17 European countries at the COST Association's headquarters.
During the meeting, the Management Committee was established, with the following key appointments:
- Dr. Anneluise Mader as Action Chair
- Prof. Dr. Peter Paulsen as Vice Chair
- Members of the Core Group (more details available here)
This meeting laid the foundation for collaborative efforts to improve game meat safety, with the team now in place to drive the project forward.
