Explanatory note

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

Regulation 2 amends Annex 5 to Commission Regulation (EC) No 543/2008 of 16 June 2008 laying down detailed rules for implementing Council Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 as regards marketing standards for poultrymeat marketed in England. The amendment removes the maximum limit on the length of time that poultry can have their access to open-air runs restricted and still have their meat 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.