Does haggis need a QUID declaration if it contains sketal muscle?

There is no mention of haggis in The Meat Products (Scotland) Regulations 2004 and I am unaware of any compositional requirements for haggis. As such, the presence or absence of beef (i.e. skeletal muscle with naturally included or adherent fat and connective tissue) in the product depends on the producer's recipe.

QUID declarations are covered by regulation 19 of the Food Labelling Regulations 1996 (as amended). In general terms, a QUID declaration is required when the ingredient (or category of ingredient) appears in the name of the food or is usually associated with that name by the consumer.

Haggis is a product which is widely accepted to be made from offal and oatmeal. Consumers may even be surprised to find any “meat” (as per Commission Directive 2001/101/EC) in the product. As such I can see no need for a QUID declaration for beef.

I hope this information is useful.

The advice contained in this document should not be taken as an authoritative statement of the law or its interpretation. Only the courts can decide whether in particular circumstances an offence has been committed.

Regards,

Russell Napier
Policy Officer: Labelling and Standards
Healthy Eating and Food Standards
Food Standards Agency in Scotland
St Magnus House, 25 Guild Street, Aberdeen AB11 6NJ

Tel: 01224 285155