Explanatory note

These Regulations make an amendment to the legislation relating to the marketing of eggs as free-range in the event of measures being adopted which restrict continuous daytime access of laying hens to open-air runs in order to protect public or animal health.

Regulation 2 amends Annex 2 to Commission Regulation (EC) No 589/2008 of 23 June 2008 laying down detailed rules for implementing Council Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 as regards marketing standards for eggs marketed in England. The amendment removes the limit on the length of time that laying hens can have their access to open air runs restricted and still have their eggs marketed as free-range in England.

A full impact assessment has not been prepared for this instrument as no, or no significant, impact on the private, voluntary or public sector is foreseen. A de minimis assessment of the effect that this instrument will have on the cost of business has been prepared and is available from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, 2 Marsham Street, London, SW1P 4DF.