Health and identification marks

This guidance is for food businesses in Scotland producing products of animal origin (POAO). It outlines the health and identification mark requirements for POAO produced by Scottish businesses placed on Great Britain, Northern Ireland, EU and non-EU markets

A worker in a white coat and cap inspecting hanging beef carcasses in a meat processing facility.

Identification marks

The identification mark is applied to POAO to show it has been produced in an establishment approved in accordance with food safety and hygiene regulations and is typically applied to wrapping, packaging, or labelling which contains, or is attached to, the POAO.  

The below icons show a summary of which identification marks may be used for POAO produced and placed on the market in Great Britain and Northern Ireland or exported outside of the UK. 

Identification marks which apply from 1 January 2021

An oval-shaped label with the letters 'GB' at the top and the number '1234' below.

Great Britain - FSS approved establishments

Applicable in: Great Britian market, Northern Ireland Market, EU 27 market, Non-EU market

An oval-shaped sign with bold, uppercase text reading 'UNITED KINGDOM 1234' centered inside.

Great Britain - FSS approved establishments

Applicable in: Great Britiain market, Northern Ireland market, EU 27 market, Non-EU market

An oval-shaped label with a black border, containing the letters 'UK' at the top and the number '1234' below

Great Britain - FSS approved establishments

Applicable in: Great Britain, Non-EU market

Health marks

The health mark is an official mark which is applied to carcases to show they were processed in an establishment approved in accordance with food safety and hygiene regulations and that the carcass itself is fit for human consumption.  

The below icons show a summary of which health marks may be used for POAO produced and placed on the market in Great Britain and Northern Ireland or exported outside of the UK. 

Health marks which apply from 1 January 2021

An oval-shaped label with the letters 'GB' at the top and the number '1234' below.

Great Britain - FSS approved establishments

Applicable in: Great Britian market, Northern Ireland Market, EU 27 market, Non-EU market

An oval-shaped sign with bold, uppercase text reading 'UNITED KINGDOM 1234' centered inside.

Great Britain - FSS approved establishments

Applicable in: Great Britiain market, Northern Ireland market, EU 27 market, Non-EU market

An oval-shaped label with a black border, containing the letters 'UK' at the top and the number '1234' below

Great Britain - FSS approved establishments

Applicable in: Great Britain, Non-EU market

Summary and actions

Businesses must continue to make sure that only safe food is placed on the market. They should also be mindful that their product needs to comply with any additional marking requirements set by the importing country.

The EHC certifying officer, will need to attest that the correct identification mark is applied (amongst other things) to complete the EHC.  

Businesses may overwrap products if they have been approved and it is their mark that is being applied. However, they should be aware that this may carry a risk of rejection on border inspection should any overwrapping come loose or be damaged in transit.

If you have any queries about the content of this guidance, please contact your enforcement officer/OV in the first instance.

Health and ID marking for exports to the non-EU market may depend on the requirements set by the importing nation. Whilst it is anticipated that any of the above marks will be considered acceptable by non-EU third countries, please check with your importer that the relevant requirements for marking and export more generally are being met. 

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