Labelling Requirements

[Jac]

Since the EU removed the requirement to have such things as breed, length of maturity etc independently verified from 13th Dec 14 how has this affected the Dexter Trade mark? For example can one label and advertise beef as 'Dexter Beef' without using the trade mark sticker or belonging to the 'scheme or indeed having registered Dexters'?

[Rob R]

Trade marks are a separate area of law so it wouldn't automatically make a difference.

[Jac]

I am at a loss Rob to see what specifically has been Trade Marked. Is it the name 'Dexter Beef' or the logo?

[Rob R]

Ah, yes, that's right, it is just the logo. I mistakenly thought it was the words.

A bit like the change to not need to register with the EHO if meat is less than 25% of your turnover, it seems that now ant Tom Dick or Harry can set up without controls. And on that bombshell, I'm going to move the cows into their summer bulling groups.

[Jac]

A bit like the change to not need to register with the EHO if meat is less than 25% of your turnover...

What a bombshell indeed can you point me to a link for this little gem? Had Trading Standards round a couple of weeks ago checking my labels and the allergen thingy but we haven't had an inspection from EHO for quite sometime now not since before this 'scores on the doors' started. They obviously know I am here because they send me correspondence.

Blooming awful weather here!

[Rob R]

https://www.ipo.gov.uk/tmcase/Results/1/UK00002618756
I searched using the words 'Dexter beef' and these were the only relevant results that appeared.


We've just had our inspection last week - waiting to find out the score.

[Jac]

https://www.ipo.gov.uk/tmcase/Results/1/UK00002618756
I searched using the words 'Dexter beef' and these were the only relevant results that appeared.


We've just had our inspection last week - waiting to find out the score.

No, the 25% of turnover thing.

[Rob R]

https://www.ipo.gov.uk/tmcase/Results/1/UK00002618756
I searched using the words 'Dexter beef' and these were the only relevant results that appeared.


We've just had our inspection last week - waiting to find out the score.

No, the 25% of turnover thing.

Ah, yes, here, for Wales, although the same applies in England; https://www.gov.uk/food-premises-approval-wales. It's actually food, rather than meat, but essentially covers farmers selling out of the boot of the car.

[Jac]

I wondered if this was just a badly worded document. Reading it was inclined to think that there are no exemptions for those handling meat, fish, egg or dairy products.... But having entered my postcode it would appear that there is a facility to change category from inspected to not inspected provided that I do not sell on to a third party i.e. pub, restaurant or other business. As I was inspected and have nothing to fear I don't think I will bother changing.

10 out of 10 Rob for keeping on top of the regulations.

I do think that this piece of legislation is a bit of a black hole for example what happens if you are not a registered business how do you assess 25% of turnover? The amount of 'illicit' meat in Wales was bad enough as it was. Can it be if you just ignore the rules the government will cave in eventually as they cannot put everyone in prison?

[Rob R]

If our EHO is anything to go by they are so overworked that they couldn't cope with inspecting existing food businesses, never mind new ones.

[Jac]

If our EHO is anything to go by they are so overworked that they couldn't cope with inspecting existing food businesses, never mind new ones.

Having slept on this overnight, I am wondering whether this is a prelude to the charging for EHO services that was muted some time ago. I think the figure was £500 per inspection. If that is going to be the case then I will have to switch.

Unfortunately, this is what you are up against. Who will take the rap the inspected restaurant owner or the uninspected producer?

http://www.ehn-online.com/news/article.aspx?id=14394

I particularly like the bit where it says that it was acceptable for Davy’s to serve burgers rare because it sourced its beef from a reputable supplier. There is no way to make the inside of a burger bacteria free no matter how careful you are.

[Jac]

Does this also mean that I can open up a micro dairy without the need to inform anyone or have any type of inspection provided that it doesn't exceed 25% of my turnover?

[Rob R]

Does this also mean that I can open up a micro dairy without the need to inform anyone or have any type of inspection provided that it doesn't exceed 25% of my turnover?

Technically, I guess so, although you'd still have to comply with other dairy hygiene legislation so I don't think it'd give you much of an advantage not to be inspected, certainly not in terms of insurance.

[Jac]

A bit like the change to not need to register with the EHO if meat is less than 25% of your turnover...

What a bombshell indeed can you point me to a link for this little gem? Had Trading Standards round a couple of weeks ago checking my labels and the allergen thingy but we haven't had an inspection from EHO for quite sometime now not since before this 'scores on the doors' started. They obviously know I am here because they send me correspondence.

Blooming awful weather here!

Spoke too soon, just been inspected.

[Saffy]

There's nice isn't it!

Stephanie