In fresh years, there has been an increase in consumer interest in the direct acquisition of agricultural products, specified as eggs, straight from producers. Although specified a form of sale may seem beneficial to farmers and consumers, non-compliance with existing government can lead to serious legal and financial consequences for producers.
Agricultural Retail Trade (RHD) – legal framework
In Poland, the sale of agricultural products by farmers is regulated by the Agricultural Retail Trade (RHD) regulations. Under the current rules, farmers can sale their products straight to final consumers, but they must meet certain conditions and quantitative limits. These limits are set out in the Regulation of the Minister of Agriculture and agrarian improvement of 16 December 2016.
Quality checks and penalties for irregularities
The Agricultural and Food Products Trade Quality Inspection (IJHARS) regularly carries out quality checks on products offered on the market, including eggs. In 2024, IJHARS found many irregularities in the marketing of eggs, specified as the sale of eggs after a minimum durability date or incorrect marking. As a consequence of these checks, 16 administrative decisions were imposed with sanctions for a full amount of PLN 10,850.
Amendments to the egg quality rules
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/2465 has been in force since 28 November 2023, which amends the criteria for classification, maintenance, handling, labelling and packaging of eggs. These changes aim to align the rules with current EU standards and to guarantee advanced quality products available on the market.
The consequences of illegal egg trafficking
Farmers who do not comply with the applicable rules on the sale of eggs are subject to severe financial penalties. Illegal trade in eggs, i.e. sale without appropriate authorisation, non-compliance with quantitative limits or deficiency of appropriate labelling of products, can consequence in fines and, in utmost cases, even criminal liability. The amount of penalties depends on the nature and scale of the infringements, but they can scope up to respective tens of thousands of zlotys.
Importance of compliance
Compliance with the rules on the sale of eggs is crucial not only for avoiding penalties but besides for ensuring consumer safety. Appropriate labelling, hygiene standards and compliance with sales limits guarantee that consumer products are safe and meet certain quality standards.
Illegal trade in eggs constitutes a serious violation of existing rules and exposes farmers to severe financial penalties. In order to avoid legal consequences, manufacturers should be closely acquainted with the applicable regulations, comply with the established sales limits and guarantee that the products offered are decently labelled and quality. This is the only way to guarantee consumer safety and avoid negative legal consequences.
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Illegal trade in eggs: farmers targeted – severe penalties for violation
