Consultation on Amending Poultry Meat Marketing Regulations - England & Scotland

Overview

This consultation seeks views on potential changes to the assimilated Poultry Meat Marketing Standards Regulation (No. 543/2008).

The potential changes on which views are sought cover two areas:

1. First, a proposal to amend the 12-week derogation period that would enable free-range poultry meat to be labelled as such for the duration of any mandatory housing measure which would restrict birds' access to open-air runs, such as those that were in force in some areas of Great Britain (GB) in both 2022 and 2023 during Avian Influenza (AI) outbreaks. Guinea fowl raised in percheries are exempt from the current legislation and it is proposed to retain the exemption in any legislative changes that arise as a result of this consultation.

2. Second, a proposal to remove a certification requirement, which has never been used in practice, for imported poultry meat with one or more Optional Indications (OIs).
    

Why your views matter

This consultation is about proposed amendments to the Poultry Meat Marketing Regulations (PMMR) in England and Scotland. These changes would directly affect poultry producers, processors, retailers, importers, exporters, consumers, and organisations who have an interest in the poultry industry.

What happens next

The closing date for this consultation is 23:59 on 16/12/24.

Responses received by this date will be analysed and taken into account by Ministers in their consideration of future policy and legislative changes. Further analysis of the benefits, impacts, legal implications and complexities of the proposals will also be undertaken and considered alongside the responses to this consultation as part of our policy development process. We aim to publish a summary analysis of responses within 12 weeks of the closure of this consultation.

If the decision is made to proceed with legislative changes, our ambition would be to deliver this legislative amendment during 2025.

During the consultation, if you have any enquiries, please email us at: pigseggsandpoultryteam@defra.gov.uk or write to us as at the address below.

Pigs, Eggs, and Poultry Team,

Defra,

Seacole Building, 

2 Marsham Street, 

London, SW1P 4DF