The Sheep Carcase (Classification and Price Reporting) (England) Regulations 2025 (SI 2025 No. 837).

The Sheep Carcase (Classification and Price Reporting) (England) Regulations 2025 outline legal requirements for the classification and price reporting of sheep carcases in England. These regulations apply to approved slaughterhouses in England that process a significant number of sheep weekly. They mandate that sheep carcases from animals aged less than 12 months must be classified either visually by licensed classifiers or through authorised automated methods. Classification must occur during the weighing process, and carcases must be presented in specific formats and labelled with detailed information including kill number, slaughter date, classification, and weight. Operators are required to maintain comprehensive records for each carcase, including classification details, pricing, and any supplementary payments. These records must be retained for at least 12 months and reported weekly to an authorised person. Suppliers must be informed in writing of the classification and pricing data. Licensing provisions govern who may perform visual classifications and which slaughterhouses may use automated methods. The Secretary of State oversees licensing, with powers to suspend or revoke licences based on performance or compliance issues. Appeals against licensing decisions are permitted. Automated classification methods must undergo a rigorous authorisation process involving testing on a sample of carcases and statistical analysis to ensure accuracy. Only methods meeting specific performance thresholds are approved. The regulations also include enforcement mechanisms. Authorised officers may conduct unannounced inspections, enter premises, and examine records and equipment. If breaches are found, compliance notices or monetary penalties may be issued, with rights of appeal to the First-tier Tribunal.