SQWV Ltd (Scottish Quality Wild Venison Ltd) is an independent company which exists to maintain, develop and promote Quality Assurance Standards throughout the whole Venison industry.
The SQWV scheme only relates to ‘wild’ venison which means managed populations of deer living in forests, hills and parkland under conditions of freedom i.e. living naturally. As a result of the assessments and checks made throughout the food chain on members of the SQWV Assurance schemes consumers know more about the venison they purchase and consume.
Key Benefits
Reduced Audit Frequency
Local authorities recognise SQWV members have high standards and represent low risk.
Increased Traceability
As a result of the assessments and checks made throughout the food chain on members of the SQWV Assurance schemes, consumers are more knowledgeable about the venison they purchase and consume
High Standards
The SQWV logo represents adherence to the highest welfare, environmental, health & safety standards. The more sites that sign up to SQWV Assurance, the safer shooting becomes.
What is SQWV?
SQWV Ltd (Scottish Quality Wild Venison Ltd) aims to maintain, develop and promote Quality Assurance Standards throughout the whole Venison industry. The scheme relates to ‘wild’ venison which means managed populations of deer living in forests, hills and parkland under conditions of freedom i.e. living naturally.
The Standards demonstrate good industry practice and are assessed by independent assessors from Intertek SAI Global.
The SQWV scheme only relates to ‘wild’ venison which means managed populations of deer living in forests, hills and parkland under conditions of freedom i.e. living naturally. There are two sections to the scheme:
- Stalking and Carcase Handling – covers all the stages between wild deer being shot through to the storage of skin on carcases that have been gralloched and are awaiting collection by the game dealer or processor. Inspected at intervals between 12 and 18 months.
- Primary Processor – where larders are being used for the skinning of game and cutting of carcases into meat. Game Dealers or Game Processing Plants are also assured under the Primary Processing Scheme. Inspected at intervals between 6 and 18 months.
The SQWV standards, Processor and Stalking and Carcase Handling include:
- Deer management and control
- Stalking proficiency
- Larder management
- Carcase inspection
- Processing - transport, dressing, cutting, packaging and labelling
- Product specification
- Hygiene standards
- Traceability