SafeGameMeat COST Action (CA22166)
Published March 26, 2025 | Version v1
Report Open

Workshop report: Health risks and bioavailability of metal residues from hunting ammunition in game meat

Authors/Creators

  • 1. ROR icon Aarhus University
  • 2. ROR icon University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna
  • 3. ROR icon University of Castilla-La Mancha
  • 4. University of Cambridge Department of Zoology
  • 5. EDMO icon Danish Ministry of the Environment
  • 6. National Veterinary Research Institute
  • 7. ROR icon Federal Institute for Risk Assessment

Contributors

Project leader:

  • 1. Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
  • 2. ROR icon VetAgro Sup
  • 3. Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Skopje, North Macedonia
  • 4. UNIVERSITY OF MURCIA
  • 5. ROR icon Federal Institute for Risk Assessment
  • 6. Scientific Veterinary Institute "Novi Sad"
  • 7. ROR icon University of Ljubljana
  • 8. ROR icon Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research
  • 9. ROR icon Czech University of Life Sciences Prague
  • 10. National Veterinary Research Institute
  • 11. University of the Highlands and Islands - Environmental Research Institute
  • 12. ROR icon University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro
  • 13. Department of Agriculture, Dublin, Ireland

Description

The workshop "Health Risks and Bioavailability of Metal Residues from Hunting Ammunition in Game Meat," held in Billund, Denmark, explored the pressing issue of lead contamination in game meat. Experts from various disciplines discussed the health risks posed to humans and wildlife, the environmental impacts of lead residues, and potential alternatives to lead-based ammunition. Key findings highlighted the bioavailability and toxicity of lead from ammunition, the range and possibilities of current non-lead alternatives, and the need for harmonized regulations across Europe. The workshop underscored the importance of hunter education, public awareness, and interdisciplinary research to facilitate the transition to non-toxic ammunition and reduce contamination. Recommendations include stronger enforcement of lead bans, targeted outreach to stakeholders, and comprehensive risk assessments for alternative materials. These efforts aim to ensure the sustainability of hunting practices and the safety of game meat in the food chain.

Files

Workshop report - Health risks and bioavailability of metal residues from hunting ammunition in game meat.pdf

Files (505.4 kB)

Additional details

Funding

European Cooperation in Science and Technology
SafeGameMeat - Safety in the Game Meat Chain COST Action CA22166

References

  • AESAN. Informe del Comité Científico de la Agencia Española de Seguridad Alimentaria y Nutrición (AESAN) sobre el riesgo asociado a la presencia de plomo en carne de caza silvestre en España: Informe del Comité Científico de la Agencia Española de Seguridad Alimentaria y Nutrición (AESAN) sobre el riesgo asociado a la presencia de plomo en carne de caza silvestre en España; 2012.
  • Anses. AVIS de l'Anses relatif au risque sanitaire lié à la consommation de gibier au regard des contaminants chimiques environnementaux (dioxines, polychlorobiphényles (PCB), cadmium et plomb). Maison-Alfort Cedex: Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire de l'alimentation, de l'environnement et du travail; 2018.
  • ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Lead. Atlanta, GA: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service; 2020 CS274127-A.
  • Barltrop, D., Meek, F., 1979. Effect of Particle Size on Lead Absorption from the Gut. Archives of Environmental Health 34(4), 280–285. https://doi.org/10.1080/00039896.1979.10667414.
  • BfR, 2011. Lead fragments in game meat can be an added health risk for certain consumer groups. BfR recommends that children, pregnant women, and women planning to have children not eat meat from game animals killed by hunters. https://www.bfr.bund.de/en/press_information/2011/32/lead_fragments_in_game_meat_can_be_an_added_health_risk_for_certain_consumer_groups-127610.html (accessed 16 January 2025).
  • Buenz, E.J., Parry, G.J., 2018. Chronic Lead Intoxication From Eating Wild-Harvested Game. The American journal of medicine 131(5), e181-e184. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2017.11.031
  • CDC, 2021. CDC Updates Blood Lead Reference Value. https://www.cdc.gov/lead-prevention/php/news-features/updates-blood-lead-reference-value.html (accessed 16 January 2025).
  • Cecil, K.M., Brubaker, C.J., Adler, C.M., Dietrich, K.N., Altaye, M., Egelhoff, J.C. et al., 2008. Decreased Brain Volume in Adults with Childhood Lead Exposure. PLOS Medicine 5(5). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0050112.
  • Collin, M.S., Venkatraman, S.K., Vijayakumar, N., Kanimozhi, V., Arbaaz, S.M., Stacey, R.G.S. et al., 2022. Bioaccumulation of lead (Pb) and its effects on human: A review. Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances 7, 100094. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hazadv.2022.100094.
  • Dobrowolska, A., Melosik, M., 2008. Bullet-derived lead in tissues of the wild boar (Sus scrofa) and red deer (Cervus elaphus). Eur J Wildl Res 54(2), 231–235. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-007-0134-y.
  • ECHA. Opinion on an Annex XV dossier proposing restrictions on Lead and its compounds. Helsinki, Finland: European Chemicals Agency; 2022.
  • EFSA, 2010. Scientific Opinion on Lead in Food. EFSA Journal 8(4). https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1570
  • EU, 2021. Commission Regulation (EU) 2021/57 of 25 January 2021 amending Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) as regards lead in gunshot in or around wetlands (Text with EEA relevance).
  • European Commision, 2023. COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) 2023/915 of 25 April 2023 on maximum levels for certain contaminants in food and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006: (EU) 2023/915.
  • Fernández, V., Caselli, A., Tammone, A., Condorí, W.E., Vanstreels, R.E.T., Delaloye, A. et al., 2021. Lead exposure in dogs fed game meat and offal from culled invasive species in El Palmar National Park, Argentina. Environmental science and pollution research international 28(33), 45486–45495. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-13880-z.
  • Government of Ontario. Guide to Eating Ontario Fish (accessed 16 January 2025).
  • Green, R., Taggart, M., Pain, D., Smithson, K., 2022. Implications for food safety of the size and location of fragments of lead shotgun pellets embedded in hunted carcasses of small game animals intended for human consumption. PloS one 17(8), e0268089. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0268089.
  • Green, R.E., Pain, D.J., 2012. Potential health risks to adults and children in the UK from exposure to dietary lead in gamebirds shot with lead ammunition. Food and chemical toxicology an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association 50(11), 4180–4190. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2012.08.032.
  • Green, R.E., Pain, D.J., 2019. Risks to human health from ammunition-derived lead in Europe. Ambio 48(9), 954–968. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-019-01194-x.
  • Green, R.E., Taggart, M.A., Guiu, M., Waller, H., Pap, S., Sheldon, R. et al., 2024a. Difference in concentration of lead (Pb) in meat from pheasants killed using lead and iron (Fe) shotgun ammunition. The Science of the total environment 916, 170356. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170356.
  • Green, R.E., Taggart, M.A., Pain, D.J., Clark, N.A., Clewley, L., Cromie, R. et al., 2024b. Outcomes from monitoring the fourth year of a five- year voluntary transition from hunting with lead to non-lead shotgun ammunition in Britain. Conservation Evidence Journal 21, 6–12. https://doi.org/10.52201/CEJ21/SSSV6262.
  • Gundacker, C., Forsthuber, M., Szigeti, T., Kakucs, R., Mustieles, V., Fernandez, M.F. et al., 2021. Lead (Pb) and neurodevelopment: A review on exposure and biomarkers of effect (BDNF, HDL) and susceptibility. International journal of hygiene and environmental health 238, 113855. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113855.
  • Haase, A., Sen, M., Gremse, C., Mader, A., Korkmaz, B., Jungnickel, H. et al., 2023. Analysis of number, size and spatial distribution of rifle bullet-derived lead fragments in hunted roe deer using computed tomography. Discov Food 3(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44187-023-00052-w.
  • Hampton, J.O., Cobb, M.L., Toop, S.D., Flesch, J.S., Hyndman, T.H., 2023. Elevated lead exposure in Australian hunting dogs during a deer hunting season. Environmental pollution 323, 121317. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121317.
  • Hunt, W.G., Watson, R.T., Oaks, J.L., Parish, C.N., Burnham, K.K., Tucker, R.L. et al., 2009. Lead bullet fragments in venison from rifle-killed deer: potential for human dietary exposure. PloS one 4(4), e5330. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0005330.
  • Irschik, I., Bauer, F., Sager, M., Paulsen, P., 2013. Copper residues in meat from wild artiodactyls hunted with two types of rifle bullets manufactured from copper. Eur J Wildl Res 59(2), 129–136. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-012-0656-9.
  • Johansen, P., Pedersen, H.S., Asmund, G., Riget, F., 2006. Lead shot from hunting as a source of lead in human blood. Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex 1987) 142(1), 93–97. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2005.09.015
  • Kanstrup, N. 2012. Lead in game birds in Denmark: levels and sources: Danish Academy of Hunting Article 2012-02-1. https://www.scribd.com/document/475251831/Kanstrup-2012-Lead-in-Danish-Game-Birds
  • Kanstrup, N. 2024. The transition to non-lead ammunition: an essential and feasible prerequisite for sustainable hunting in modern society. Aarhus University, Department of Ecoscience. 164 pp.
  • Kanstrup, N., Balsby, T.J.S., 2019. Danish pheasant and mallard hunters comply with the lead shot ban. Ambio 48(9), 1009–1014. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-019-01152-7.
  • Kanstrup, N., Balsby, T.J.S., Mellerup, K.A., Hansen, H.P., 2021. Non-lead rifle ammunition: Danish hunters' attitudes. Environ Sci Eur 33(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12302-021-00485-z.
  • Leontowich, A.F.G., Panahifar, A., Ostrowski, R., 2022. Fragmentation of hunting bullets observed with synchrotron radiation: Lighting up the source of a lesser-known lead exposure pathway. PloS one 17(8), e0271987. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0271987
  • Lermen, D., Weber, T., Göen, T., Bartel-Steinbach, M., Gwinner, F., Mueller, S.C. et al., 2021. Long-term time trend of lead exposure in young German adults - Evaluation of more than 35 Years of data of the German Environmental Specimen Bank. International journal of hygiene and environmental health 231, 113665. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheh.2020.113665
  • Mateo, R., Baos, A.R., Vidal, D., Camarero, P.R., Martinez-Haro, M., Taggart, M.A., 2011. Bioaccessibility of Pb from ammunition in game meat is affected by cooking treatment. PloS one 6(1), e15892. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0015892
  • Mateo, R., Kanstrup, N., 2019. Regulations on lead ammunition adopted in Europe and evidence of compliance. Ambio 48(9), 989–998. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-019-01170-5
  • Mateo, R., La Rodríguez-de Cruz, M., Vidal, D., Reglero, M., Camarero, P., 2007. Transfer of lead from shot pellets to game meat during cooking. The Science of the total environment 372(2-3), 480–485. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2006.10.022
  • Mateo, R., Vallverdú-Coll, N., López-Antia, A., Taggart, M.A., Martínez-Haro, M., Guitart, R. et al., 2014. Reducing Pb poisoning in birds and Pb exposure in game meat consumers: the dual benefit of effective Pb shot regulation. Environment international 63, 163–168. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2013.11.006
  • Pain, D.J., Cromie, R.L., Newth, J., Brown, M.J., Crutcher, E., Hardman, P. et al., 2010. Potential hazard to human health from exposure to fragments of lead bullets and shot in the tissues of game animals. PloS one 5(4), e10315. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0010315
  • Pain, D.J., Green, R.E., Bates, N., Guiu, M., Taggart, M.A., 2023. Lead concentrations in commercial dogfood containing pheasant in the UK. Ambio 52(8), 1339–1349. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-023-01856-x
  • Pain, D.J., Green, R.E., Taggart, M.A., Kanstrup, N., 2022. How contaminated with ammunition-derived lead is meat from European small game animals? Assessing and reducing risks to human health. Ambio 51(8), 1772–1785. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-022-01737-9
  • Paulsen, P., Bauer, F., Sager, M., Schuhmann-Irschik, I., 2015a. Model studies for the release of metals from embedded rifle bullet fragments during simulated meat storage and food ingestion. Eur J Wildl Res 61(4), 629–633. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-015-0926-4
  • Paulsen, P., Sager, M., Bauer, F., Schuhmann-Irschik, I., 2015b. Pilot study on metal contents in meat portions from wild game killed by "lead-free" rifle bullets. Journal of Food Safety and Food Quality 66(5), 125-156. https://doi.org/10.2376/0003-925X-66-128
  • Rosendahl, S., Anturaniemi, J., Vuori, K.A., Moore, R., Hemida, M., Hielm-Björkman, A., 2022. Diet and dog characteristics affect major and trace elements in hair and blood of healthy dogs. Veterinary research communications 46(1), 261–275. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11259-021-09854-8
  • Schuhmann-Irschik, I., Sager, M., Paulsen, P., Tichy, A., Bauer, F., 2015. Release of copper from embedded solid copper bullets into muscle and fat tissues of fallow deer (Dama dama), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), and wild boar (Sus scrofa) and effect of copper content on oxidative stability of heat-processed meat. Meat science 108, 21–27. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.meatsci.2015.05.008
  • Schulz, K., Brenneis, F., Winterhalter, R., Spolders, M., Fromme, H., Dietrich, S. et al., 2021. Marination increases the bioavailability of lead in game meat shot with lead ammunition. Journal of nutritional science 10, e24. https://doi.org/10.1017/jns.2021.15
  • Taggart, M.A., Reglero, M.M., Camarero, P.R., Mateo, R., 2011. Should legislation regarding maximum Pb and Cd levels in human food also cover large game meat? Environment international 37(1), 18–25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2010.06.007
  • Thomas, V.G., 2019. Chemical compositional standards for non-lead hunting ammunition and fishing weights. Ambio 48(9), 1072–1078. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-018-1124-x
  • Thomas, V.G., Pain, D.J., Kanstrup, N., Green, R.E., 2020. Setting maximum levels for lead in game meat in EC regulations: An adjunct to replacement of lead ammunition. Ambio 49(12), 2026–2037. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-020-01336-6