These Regulations are made in exercise of the powers conferred by section 2(2) of, and paragraph 1A of Schedule 2 to, the European Communities Act 1972(1).

The Secretary of State is a Minister designated(2) for the purposes of section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 1972 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 Secretary of State that it is expedient for references to provisions of Community instruments to be construed as a reference to those provisions as amended from time to time.

There has been open and transparent public consultation during the preparation of these Regulations as required by Article 9 of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002(3) of the European Parliament and of the Council 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.