The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is designated1 for the purposes of section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 19722 in relation to the common agricultural policy of the European Community.

These Regulations make provision for a purpose mentioned in section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 1972, and it appears to the Department that it is expedient for any reference to the following Regulations to be construed as a reference to those Regulations as amended from time to time—

Council Regulation (EC) No. 1234/20073 establishing a common organisation of agricultural markets and on specific provisions for certain agricultural products (Single CMO Regulation);

Commission Regulation (EC) No. 589/20084 laying down detailed rules for implementing Regulation (EC) No. 1234/2007 as regards marketing standards for eggs; and

Commission Regulation (EC) No. 617/20085 laying down detailed rules for implementing Regulation (EC) No. 1234/2007 as regards marketing standards for eggs for hatching and farmyard poultry chicks.

Insofar as these Regulations are made in exercise of powers under the Food Safety (Northern Ireland) Order 19916, the Department has had regard to relevant advice given by the Food Standards Agency as required by Article 47(3A)7 of that Order.

There has been open and transparent public consultation during the preparation of the following Regulations as required by Article 9 of Regulation (EC) No. 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council8 laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in matters of food safety.

Accordingly, the Department makes the following Regulations in exercise of the powers conferred by section 2(2) of, and paragraph 1A9 of Schedule 2 to, the European Communities Act 1972; and Articles 15(1)10, 1611, 2512, 26(3)13 and 47(2)14 of the Food Safety (Northern Ireland) Order 1991.