To ask Her Majesty's Government whether there is any minimum size of flock below which the Control of Salmonella in Broiler Flocks Order 2009 (SI 2009/26) will not apply. [HL1699]

The requirements of the Salmonella National Control Programme (NCP) for broilers as implemented by the Control of Salmonella in Broiler Flocks Order 2009 will apply to all broiler flocks apart from those exempted in Regulation (EC) No 2160/2003 under Article 1.3. The exemption applies to where:

production is for private domestic use only (ie the meat is not being sold on the market); and

the holding is supplying small quantities direct to the consumer (ie farm gate sales) or via local retailers which only supply the final consumer (essentially householders).

Regulation 2160/2003 does not give a specific threshold for “small quantity”. Defra has recently taken part in discussions with industry representatives, including the National Farmers Union and the British Poultry Council, to agree a threshold which is proportionate and meets our obligations under EU law. A final decision will be made in time for the forthcoming publication of a guide for producers on the NCP for broiler flocks later this month.