Consultation on Amendments to The Eggs and Chicks Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 and The Poultrymeat Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011

Purpose of this consultation

The purpose of this consultation is to inform the implementation of the proposed domestic amendments to The Eggs and Chicks Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 and The Poultrymeat Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011 as we align with EU regulations that apply directly in Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework. The Eggs and Chicks and Poultrymeat (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2027 would update domestic references and enforcement provisions following the repeal and replacement of the relevant EU legislation. This consultation does not seek views on whether those EU requirements should apply. We are seeking views on:

1. The proposed egg-marking derogation and associated approval arrangements.
2. The domestic appeal arrangements.
3. The use of open-air runs containing solar panels.
4. Proposed fees for poultrymeat water-content checks.
5. Supporting guidance.

Background

1. EU marketing standards for agri-food products establish requirements relating to product quality, production methods, categorisation, sales descriptions and labelling. The framework for these standards is set out principally in Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013, commonly known as the Common Market Organisation (CMO) Regulation, together with associated delegated and implementing legislation.
2. Specific marketing standards for eggs and poultrymeat were previously established through Commission Regulations (EC) No 589/2008 and (EC) No 543/2008 respectively. The European Commission has since updated these requirements by amending the CMO Regulation and repealing and replacing the existing egg and poultrymeat marketing standards legislation.
3. Under Annex 2 of the Windsor Framework, EU legislation relating to egg and poultrymeat marketing standards continues to apply directly in Northern Ireland. As a result of the EU's legislative changes, amendments are required to the Eggs and Chicks Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 and the Poultrymeat Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011 to ensure that Northern Ireland's domestic enforcement framework remains up to date and operable.
4. The changes relate to marketing standards only and do not affect food safety, animal health or sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) requirements. Separate legislation continues to govern food hygiene, food safety and public health protections.