Compulsory Beef Labelling FAQs
Q1 What is Compulsory Labelling?
A1 Compulsory labelling means that operators must label all fresh and frozen beef (and minced beef) with the following information:
(1) A reference number or code
(2) "Slaughtered In [name of Member State or Third Country]"
(3) Licence number of slaughterhouse
(4) "Cut In [name of Member State or Third Country]"
(5) Licence number(s) of cutting plant(s)
(6) The name of the Member State or Third Country in which the animal or group of animals were born
(7) The name of the Member State or Third Country in which the animal or group of animals were raised
Where your beef comes from animals that were born, raised and slaughtered in the same Member State or same Non-EC country, instead of showing separate indications (2) for birth and (3) for rearing, your labelling can be shown as "Origin" (name of country).
The following compulsory information must be shown on your labelling for minced beef;
(1) A reference number or code
(2) Member State or non-EC country of slaughter
(3) Member State or non-EC country of mincing
(4) If different from country of mincing, the country where animals or group of animals have lived from birth to slaughter, origin: [name of Member State and/or non-EC country]', or 'Origin: Non-EC' if the country is outside the EC.
In addition to that above, Annex X1a of Regulation (EC) No. 1234/2007, lays down new labelling rules for the marketing of the meat and offal of bovine animals aged 12 months or less. On slaughter, all bovine animals aged 12 months or less must be categorised into one of the following 2 categories:
- Category V: bovine animals aged 8 months or less i.e. bovines from the day of birth until they reach the age of 8 months (Category identification letter "V");
- Category Z: bovine animals aged more than 8 months but not more than 12 months i.e. bovines from the day after reaching the age of 8 months until the day they reach the age of 12 months. (Category identification letter "Z")
Q2 Which operators does Compulsory Labelling apply to?
A2 All operators who sell fresh or frozen beef anywhere in the food chain, including slaughterhouses, cutting plants, cold stores, re-packaging centres and re-wrapping centres. Also businesses selling beef to the end customer including shops, mobile shops, market stalls, supermarkets, catering butchers and farm shops.
Q3 Who is responsible for administering the Compulsory BLS Scheme in England and Wales?
A3 The RPA Meat Technical Schemes section (MTS) based in Carlisle, administers the Compulsory Scheme for England and Wales covering all premises which have a MHS presence, i.e slaughterhouses, cutting plants and the RPA will also undertake visits to those catering butchers that are licensed by the Food Standards Agency. All other types of premises are the responsibility of local authorities via either their trading standards or environmental health departments. Their activities are coordinated by LACORS (Local Authorities Co-ordinators of Regulatory Services).
Q4 Do operators need to register for the Compulsory BLS Scheme?
A4 No. But, operators who wish to use Approved Labelling must contact the Approved Labelling Scheme section to request an application form.
Q5 Who checks that operators are complying with Compulsory Labelling requirements?
A5 All premises that are approved by the Food Standards Agency are checked by inspectors from the Livestock and Meat Inspectorate on behalf of the MTS section. Findings from visits are recorded on the BLS1 report form and forwarded to the MTS section in Carlisle.
Page published: 3 October 2011