Report of the Scientific Committee of the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) in relation to the risk associated with the presence of lead in wild game meat in Spain

There are many well known toxic effects that lead (Pb) has on the body, with the CNS (Central Nervous System) being its toxicity’s main target. There is clear evidence that shows that young children and foetuses are particularly sensitive to the neurotoxic effects of Pb. In adults, the cardiovascular and nephrotoxic effects have been identified as critical. Recently, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published an opinion report about the presence of Pb in food, which states that within meat, meat products and offal high Pb levels have been detected in game meat. The EFSA concluded that the PTWI established by the JECFA was no longer appropriate. The Commission Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 does not establish any Pb limits in game meat and, although consumption of wild game meat by the general population is low, it could be consumed more by hunters and their families. With this in mind, the Executive Director of the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) has asked the Scientific Committee to assess the situation of the possible presence of lead in wild game meat in Spain in order to establish appropriate risk management measures. Although the information available in Spain regarding the Pb content in wild game meat and its consumption is incomplete, following the analysis of data available in Spain, it has been shown that the average Pb content in pieces of large and small game exceeds the European Union general limits for meat and offal (there are no specific limits for this food) and these contents are similar to those found throughout Europe and other countries. It has been proven that wild game meat is consumed in Spain, although it is more common in hunters and their families. It is not restricted to the hunting season, and its consumption or products that come from it, such as cured sausage or pâte, by the general public in restaurants is not negligible.