Explanatory note

These Regulations revoke the Food (Preparation and Distribution of Meat) (Scotland) Regulations 1963 (“the 1963 Regulations”).

The 1963 Regulations originally controlled the construction, equipment and maintenance of slaughterhouses and meat markets. Provisions to ensure the hygienic handling of fresh meat up to the point of retail sale were also included.

The measures specifically relating to slaughterhouses were revoked by the Slaughterhouse Hygiene (Scotland) Regulations 1978 (S.I. 1978/1273), now replaced by the Fresh Meat (Hygiene and Inspection) Regulations 1995 (S.I. 1995/539), but the provisions which apply to meat markets, meat handlers and distribution of meat still remain in force.

These remaining provisions have now been superseded by more recent legislation applicable to Great Britain. In particular all premises involved in the wholesale meat trade are now licensed by the Secretary of State under the powers conferred by the Fresh Meat (Hygiene and Inspection) Regulations 1995, the Poultry Meat, Farmed Game Bird Meat and Rabbit Meat (Hygiene and Inspection) Regulations 1995 (S.I. 1995/540) or the Wild Game Meat (Hygiene and Inspection) Regulations 1995 (S.I. 1995/2148) as appropriate. Distribution of meat and retail outlets dealing with fresh meat are subject to the provisions of the Food Safety (General Food Hygiene) Regulations 1995 (S.I. 1995/1763). The 1963 Regulations therefore no longer serve any useful regulatory purpose.