Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 (Hygiene rules for food of animal origin)
What this means for your business
- Enforced by
- Food Standards Scotland, DEFRA
- Applies to
- United Kingdom
- On this page
- 7 compliance obligations, 1 practical guide
What you must do
7 compliance obligations under this legislation.
Management duties 5
Apply and maintain identification marks on animal‑origin products
You must put a visible identification mark on every product of animal origin before it leaves your premises, and re‑mark it if it is repackaged or further processed elsewhere. The mark must show your establishment’s approval number and follow the shape and wording rules for Great Britain, Northern Ireland or overseas sites.
Ensure hygiene and animal‑welfare standards for transport, slaughter and processing of domestic ungulates
If you run any part of the supply chain for meat from cattle, sheep, goats or pigs, you must make sure that animals are handled without unnecessary stress, that sick or suspect animals are only moved with authority, and that slaughterhouses and cutting plants are built, laid‑out and operated so that meat cannot become contaminated. This means providing clean lairage, separating sick animals, using hot‑water disinfection, keeping meat off floors and walls, and keeping records to prove you’re meeting the rules.
Ensure imported animal‑origin foods meet all UK import requirements
Unlimited fineIf your business brings in meat, fish, dairy or any other product of animal origin, you must check that the country and the specific plant or establishment are on the approved EU lists, that the goods meet all relevant EU/UK hygiene and health rules, and that you have the correct certificates. You also need to make the goods available for inspection at the border and keep records proving you have complied.
Follow annex requirements and use only approved water for cleaning animal‑origin food
Your business must meet the hygiene rules set out in Annexes II and III of this Regulation. When cleaning animal‑origin products you may only use drinking‑quality (potable) water, or clean water where allowed, unless a specific cleaning substance has been authorised by the relevant authority and you follow any conditions attached to its use.
Register or obtain approval for your food establishment
If you run a business that prepares or handles animal‑origin food, you must only operate in premises that have been registered – and where required, formally approved – by the competent authority. You also need to cooperate with inspectors and stop using the site if your approval is withdrawn or not renewed.
Other requirements 1
Apply health or identification marks to animal‑origin foods
You must make sure any animal‑origin product that comes from an approved establishment carries the required health mark (or, where a health mark isn’t required, an identification mark) before you sell it. You can only put an identification mark on products made in approved facilities, and you must not strip a health mark unless you further process the meat.
Record keeping 1
Provide required certificates with animal‑origin food consignments
If Annex II or III of the regulation says a certificate must travel with a consignment of animal‑origin food, you must make sure that certificate (or any other required document) is attached to the shipment. This applies to every consignment you send, whether you are the producer, importer or distributor of the product.
Penalties for non-compliance
1 penalty under this legislation. 1 carry an unlimited fine.
Ensure imported animal‑origin foods meet all UK import requirements
Unlimited fine
Practical guidance
Our guides explain how to comply with the requirements above.
Sections and provisions
19 classified provisions from this legislation.
Duties 8
- s.3 General obligations Food business operators
- s.4 Registration and approval of establishments
- s.5 Health and identification marking Food business operators
- s.6 Products of animal origin from outside Great Britain
- s.7 Documents food business operators
- s.13 Consultation of the ... Food Safety Authority
- REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING SEVERAL PRODUCTS OF ANIMAL REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING SEVERAL PRODUCTS OF ANIMAL ORIGIN food business operators
- SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS