Explanatory note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations, which extend to Scotland only, implement Commission Decision 2004/665/EC concerning a baseline study on the prevalence of Salmonella in flocks of laying hens (O.J. No. L 303, 30.9.04, p.30) in accordance with certain technical specifications referred to in Article 5 of the Commission Decision. The text of the technical specifications can be found in a paper entitled 'Baseline Study on the prevalence of salmonella in laying flocks of Gallus gallus in the EU' to be found at:

http://europa.eu.int/comm/food/food/biosafety/salmonella/tech_spec_sanco-34-2004_rev-3_en.pdf

These Regulations–

(a)

provide for selection of premises for sampling by the Scottish Ministers (regulation 3);

(b)

provide powers for inspectors for the purposes of sampling to enter premises, to make inquiries, examine records, take samples and require assistance for the purpose of these Regulations (regulation 4);

(c)

set out requirements for notices in writing (regulation 5);

(d)

prescribe offences and penalties, including penalties for corporate bodies (regulations 6 and 7);

(e)

provide for enforcement by the local authority except where the Scottish Ministers otherwise direct (regulation 8).

A Regulatory Impact Assessment has not been prepared for these Regulations.