Health and ID marks are the oval marks that must be applied to certain food products of animal origin (POAO) to confirm they have been produced in a UK approved establishment, inspected by the competent authority where necessary, and are fit for human consumption
In summary:
Exporting POAO to the EU:
Businesses will have the choice of using either the GB abbreviation or the full country name on the health and ID mark.
Exporting POAO to a non-EU country
For businesses who export POAO to a non-EU country the revised GB or UNITED KINGDOM marks may be used. In addition, health and ID marks with the UK abbreviation may also be acceptable for exports to non-EU countries.
Government states that business will be updated on the outcomes of bilateral discussion on this matter between the UK and the authorities of non-EU countries, if necessary, so there may still be some movement on the marks for exporting to a non-EU country.
POAO placed on the UK domestic market
For POAO placed on the UK domestic market, businesses may choose on the ID mark to apply either:
- The UK abbreviation
- The GB abbreviation
- The full country name UNITED KINGDOM.
In discussion with the competent authority, businesses may agree which health mark is applied directly to certain POAO, this being the UK or GB abbreviations or the full country name ‘United Kingdom’.
The current guidance and designs for health and identification marks is available from the Food Standards Agency, here.