Commission Regulation (EC) No 318/2003 of 19 February 2003 amending Regulation (EEC) No 1274/91 introducing detailed rules for implementing Regulation (EEC) No 1907/90 on certain marketing standards for eggs

Commission Regulation (EC) No 318/2003
of 19 February 2003
amending Regulation (EEC) No 1274/91 introducing detailed rules for implementing Regulation (EEC) No 1907/90 on certain marketing standards for eggs
THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,
Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 1907/90 of 26 June 1990 on certain marketing standards for eggs(1), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 5/2001(2), and in particular Article 10(3) and Article 20(1) and (4), thereof,
Whereas:
(1) Commission Regulation (EEC) No 1274/91(3), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 45/2003(4), lays down the necessary provisions for the implementation of marketing standards in the egg sector.
(2) Article 31(1)(a) of Regulation (EEC) No 1274/91 refers to checks carried out in the packing centres on graded eggs ready for dispatch and not to checks on eggs leaving the packing centres. Therefore, an amendment of the current wording of Article 31(1)(a) should be made accordingly in order to avoid any confusion or misinterpretation.
(3) In order to ensure proper land management and to prevent a build-up of harmful diseases, the open-air runs for laying hens may need to be rotated. Birds should be given even access to the whole paddock area and, where rotation on extensive free range system with at least 10 m2 per hen is practised, each bird should be ensured at all times at least 2,5 m2.
(4) It is therefore necessary to amend Regulation (EEC) No 1274/91 accordingly.
(5) The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Management Committee for Poultrymeat and Eggs,