What is the term for meat derived from deer?

Venison is the term specifically used for meat derived from deer. It encompasses meat from various species of deer, including both farmed and wild deer. This term has its roots in Middle English and is historically associated with hunting practices.

Understanding the terminology related to different types of meat is important in food safety and inspection, as it helps ensure that products are labeled correctly and that consumers receive accurate information about what they are purchasing.

In the context of the other options, "game meat" generally refers to meat from wild animals that are hunted but is a broader category that includes venison as well as other animals like wild boar or pheasant. "Beef" refers specifically to meat from cattle, and "mutton" pertains to meat from mature sheep. Thus, these terms do not accurately align with meat sourced from deer.