Foodlaw-Reading
Dr David Jukes, The University of Reading, UK
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Commission Consultation, 7 August 2017
The Commission has published a draft Regulation for consultation. The following are the introductory recitals in the document. The full draft Regulation is available on this site as well a document containing a draft Annex. The consultation closes on the 4th September 2017. For more details, see: https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say_en
(1) Commission Regulation (EC) No 589/20082 lays down detailed rules for implementing Council Regulation (EC) No 1234/20073 as regards marketing standards for eggs. In particular, point 1 of Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 589/2008 lays down minimum requirements for ʽfree range eggsʼ.
(2) Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 has replaced Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 and empowers the Commission to adopt delegated acts in this respect in accordance with its Article 227.
(3) Point 1(a) of Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 589/2008 provides for a derogation period to market eggs as ʽfree rangeʼ in case of restricted access to open air due to restrictions adopted under Union law, including veterinary restrictions to protect public and animal health, but for a period of no more than 12 weeks. Following serious outbreaks of avian influenza in the Union, it appears necessary to provide for a longer derogation period and further clarify rules with a view to their harmonised implementation throughout the Union, in particular regarding the starting point of the derogation period.
(4) Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 589/2008 should therefore be amended accordingly.
(5) With a view to ensuring an immediate implementation of this measure, the Regulation should enter into force on the third day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
