§ Mr. CameronTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether her proposals for egg printing will allow printing to take place(a) on farm and (b) at processing factories; and if she will make a statement. [117140]
§ Mr. MorleyFrom 1 January 2004, EU rules will require all grade A hen eggs sold at retail level to be marked with an identifying code. This can be carried out either on the farm or at any approved packing centre. Eggs sold directly to the final consumer, to approved food manufacturers or to non-food establishments for processing will not have to be marked.
§ Mr. CameronTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations she has received about the 1 January 2004 deadline for the introduction of egg printing; and if she will make a statement. [117141]
§ Mr. MorleyI have received a number of representations from hon. Members and individuals about the new rules which will require all grade A hen eggs to be marked with an identifying code from 1 January 2004 but none specifically about the implementation date. Departmental officials have been working closely with industry representatives and individual egg packers to advise on the new requirements and how best to meet them.