Introduction
Scotland's egg industry is small, with two main producers and a large number of smaller operators accounting for 1.4% of agricultural output in 2007 at a value of £30.6 million. The poultry industry in Scotland contributed to 3.5% of the nation's agricultural output in 2007 at a value of £74.2 million. In the region of 53.4 million chickens were processed in 2007.
Egg Marketing Standards
The Scottish Government works closely with industry on improving the traceability of eggs as a means of protecting consumers' interests. Most eggs sold for human consumption in the European Union (EU) must be sold in accordance with marketing standards legislation. The Regulations lay down rules for the quality and weight grading, marking, packaging, storage, transport and presentation for retail sale of eggs. The rules ensure that the quality of eggs is maintained.
Poultry Marketing Standards
The sale of poultry meat for human consumption in the EU must be in accordance with marketing standards legislation. This section explains the marketing conditions for fresh, frozen or quick frozen poultry meat that must be adhered to within the EU.
Enforcement
This Department employs a small dedicated team of Egg Marketing Officers within the Eggs and Poultry Unit (EPU) to enforce the EU legislation covering the marketing of eggs. This section contains advice on the work of the EPU.