Inspection of Eggs
Animal Health is responsible for the enforcement of Egg Marketing legislation at all points of the marketing chain up to, but excluding, retail level, although occasional visits to retail premises are made to verify Special Marketing Terms.
We work throughout England and Wales, wherever eggs are produced, graded, packed, imported, exported, bought or sold.
The Scottish Executive has their own Eggs and Poultry Unit
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Inspectors have the authority to enter at all reasonable times and carry out inspections in registered or unregistered premises (including wholesale outlets, places of import and, when requested, retail outlets) in which any activity regulated by the Community provision is being, or is reasonably suspected of being undertaken (Regulation 5 of the Eggs (Marketing Standards) Regulations 1995 refers). Each inspector is issued with a warrant showing such authority which also permits the inspector to take samples of eggs/labels/packs/records as evidence of contraventions which may lead to further investigation and prosecution.
Prosecution
Serious breaches or apparent breaches of the regulations are reported to the Investigation Branch of Defra whose officers have long experience of police work and a sound knowledge of Judges Rules regarding the issuing of cautions and taking statements. Prosecutions which may arise are heard in Magistrates' Courts where fines can be imposed up to a maximum of £5,000 per offence.
Page last modified: 02 September 2008
Page published: 02 September 2008