Food hygiene requirements at egg producers

The EU Food Hygiene Regulations, (EC) 852/2004 on the hygiene of foodstuffs and (EC) 853/2004 laying down specific hygiene rules for food of animal origin, are implemented in Northern Ireland by The Food Hygiene Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 (as amended).

DAERA's role

DAERA inspects and enforces Food Hygiene requirements on farms on behalf of the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

General Food Hygiene requirements apply to all types of food production, however, FSA has produced specific guidance for enforcers and farmers on how these requirements should be met on egg production sites.

The guidance covers requirements under four main areas as listed below:

Birds and housing

system and Bird Cleanliness
feed and Water
pests and Other Livestock
inspection, Disposal and Veterinary Inputs

Egg collection and storage

cleanliness and Maintenance
systems and Transport
egg Storage and Packaging Materials

Hygiene control and personnel

Record keeping

Guidance for enforcement bodies

The guidance covers typical inspection points on egg production sites and the standards expected for producers which must comply with regulations (EC) 852/2004, (EC) 853/2004 and the food hygiene regulations 2006.

Enforcement of hygiene regulations on egg production sites in the UK

Food hygiene regulations

The following page contains details and downloadable links for the Food Hygiene Regulations for both the EU and Northern Ireland.

EU Regulations:

Northern Ireland Regulations:

The Food Hygiene Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006