Premises
Each inspector has a target programme of routine visits to be made to Registered Packers, The procedures carried out at different types of premises can be found below:
Visits are made normally without prior notice, the frequency depending upon the throughput and compliance record of the organisation. Where contraventions of the Regulations are found follow-up inspections are made within a short time, usually two weeks, and continue until hopefully the problems are solved.
Packers and Wholesalers
After checking that the premises and or equipment comply with the requirements inspections concentrate mostly on carrying out checks for quality, weight and labelling. Samples of graded eggs are taken from selected batches of first quality (Grade or Class "A") eggs and are candled and weighed. Where such samples fail to reach the minimum standards, a notice of contravention is served on the whole batch, preventing its marketing until made to comply with the requirements of the regulations to the satisfaction of the Inspector.
Retailers
Quality inspections are carried out at the request of the Local Government Authorities Trading Standards (TS) Departments and reports of findings are made to T S whose responsibilities include the enforcement of EC Egg Marketing Regulations at retail level. Decisions as to consequent action against the retailer and/or the supplier of the eggs are taken by T S.
Producers
Regular visits made to producers who are not registered packers are mostly in connection with the production of eggs to be marketed under a special description for which packers have to hold a special registration. Currently two terms are permitted on non-cage eggs and small packs containing these eggs i.e. Free-Range, and Barn. The most common being Free-Range.
Concentrating on Free-Range, checks are carried out on flock size, availability of land, internal stocking densities and records which are required to be maintained of production and sales. Record checks are also made at registered packers and some retailers regarding special descriptions including close monitoring of suppliers.
If it is found either at producer or packer level that the criteria for Free-Range etc. have not been met, notices are served preventing the marketing as Free-Range until compliance with the criteria has been achieved.
Hatcheries
Regular inspections are made to hatcheries with a setting capacity of 1000 eggs or more. Visits are not just confined to hatcheries of hen eggs but are also made to those involved with turkey, duck, goose and guinea fowl eggs. Checks are carried out on records of suppliers, marking of eggs for incubation, disposal of incubator clears extracted on candling, and marking of chick boxes and containers. Contravention procedure is similar to that at packers, wholesalers etc.
Other Establishments
Regular visits are also made to monitor whether the regulations are being observed at auction markets, collectors and egg processors.
Candling Courses - Occasionally an inspector sometimes in conjunction with the Agricultural Training Board, will organise and provide short candling courses for the trade. Guidance is given on recognition of egg faults etc. either to groups of new candlers or to those who would benefit from a refresher course.
Page last modified: 02 September 2008
Page published: 02 September 2008