Proposed changes to marketing regulations for poultry meat

01 November 2024

Defra is consulting on two potential changes to marketing regulations for poultry meat.

As part of a range of measures announced to provide certainty to poultry businesses, the government has launched a consultation on amending the poultry meat marketing regulations.

NFU Poultry Board chair James Mottershead said the NFU will support the government's proposals, saying: “These moves will be welcomed by the sector as they ensure that poultry producers are not left at a competitive disadvantage.”

The consultation is only applicable to England and Scotland. The Welsh Government recently consulted on the 12 week rule for poultry meat marketing. We are waiting to hear the outcomes of this but the NFU has constantly asked for a GB-aligned policy on this matter.

9 January 2024

Defra launches consultation

The government is consulting on amending poultry meat marketing regulations in England and Scotland.

The consultation, which launched on 21 October, is split into two parts.

The first part focuses on the removal of current restrictions that mean free range poultry can only be labelled as such for 12 weeks after the introduction of avian influenza related housing measures.

The second is on the removal of the need for optional indicator certificates to accompany imported poultry meat.

The changes would put English poultry meat producers on a level playing field with the rest of the EU, and would benefit producers should an early housing order come into force.

Responding to the consultation

The consultation closes on 16 December. The NFU will be responding to the consultation on behalf of its members.

Producers can also respond to the consultation by visiting: GOV.UK | Consultation on amending poultry meat marketing regulations - England and Scotland

More detail can be found in the consultation on amending poultry meat marketing regulations –consultation document

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