(This note is not part of the Regulations.)
1. These Regulations amend the Food Safety (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 (“the Order”). The amendments are occasioned by Regulation (EC) No. 178/2002 of the Council and European Parliament (O.J. No. L31, 1.2.2002, p. 1) laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in matters of food safety.
2. The Regulations replace the existing definition of “food” in the Order with the definition which applies for the purposes of (EC) Regulation 178/2002 (regulation 3). That definition is to be found in Article 2 of that Regulation.
3. Pursuant to Article 4(2) and (3) of (EC) Regulation 178/2002 the Regulations also disapply provisions in Articles 39 and 47 of the Order regarding public consultation in circumstances where similar provisions in Article 9 of (EC) Regulation 178/2002 require public consultation (regulations 4 and 5).