(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations revoke and remake the provisions of the Pig Carcase (Grading) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1994 (S.R. 1994 No. 384) and the Beef Carcase (Classification) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005 (S.R. 2005 No. 28). The Regulations enforce Article 42 of, and Annex V to, Council Regulation (EC) No. 1234/2007 (O.J. No. L 299, 16.11.2007, p. 1), which relate to Community scales for the classification of carcases, and Commission Regulation (EC) No 1249/2008, (O.J. No. L 337, 16.12.2008, p. 3), which sets out further details regarding the implementation of those scales for the classification of carcases. The Regulations relate to the carcases of adult bovine animals and pigs.
The Regulations provide for notifications to be made to the Department by operators of slaughterhouses which slaughter bovine animals or pigs (regulation 4).
They contain provisions regarding the holding of licences by persons who classify bovine carcases or in relation to classification of such carcases by automated grading equipment (regulations 8, 9 and 10).
They require the keeping of certain records (regulations 11 and 16 and Schedules 3 and 4).
Part 5 of the Regulations concerns enforcement, and makes provision relating to the powers of authorised officers, enforcement notices and criminal proceedings. Regulations 19(3) and 21 to 26 set out the offences under the Regulations, which are all punishable on summary conviction by a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale, except for offences under regulation 25(2) (false records and marks).
In particular regulations 21 and 22 provide that breach of specified provisions of European Union legislation (set out in Schedules 1 and 2) is an offence.
A Regulatory Impact Assessment has been prepared for these Regulations, however, they have no impact on the costs of business. Copies may be obtained from Food Policy Branch, Room 131, Dundonald House, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast BT4 3SB.