GovWire

Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) inspectors carry out checks, in England and Wales, to ensure eggs for the table egg market meet Class A standards and comply European Union legislation.

The inspectors:

• check batches of eggs for quality, weight and labelling
• inspect farms to ensure free range, barn and cage producers comply with welfare, hygiene and registration regulations and that eggs are produced in the system claimed
• check that an annual Salmonella sample is tested as part of the National Control Programme
• collect egg samples to test for residue of medicines

Failure to meet the minimum legal standards for egg quality and weight, may result in a notice of contravention being served on the whole batch of eggs. This prevents further marketing until satisfactory compliance with regulations can be demonstrated.

APHA does not regulate egg production and distribution in Scotland. See the Scottish Government website for information on egg inspections in Scotland.