Sustainable Egg Assurance Scheme (SEAS)
The Bord Bia Sustainable Egg Assurance Scheme (SEAS) is a code of best practice covering both the production and packing of eggs. Eggs that are produced and packed in accordance with the requirements of the code are eligible to carry the Quality Assured logo on packs, and on point of sale materials in the case of loose sales.
The SEAS ensures that all eggs are produced and packed to the highest standards before reaching the consumer, assuring quality at each stage of the production chain.
The key aspects of egg production covered in the scheme include:
- Sustainability
- Flock sourcing
- Hygiene
- Biosecurity
- Disease control
- Flock welfare
- Environmental protection
The Scheme is accredited under ISO 17065. For more information please download the SEAS Standard.
Application Process
Membership of the Scheme is voluntary and open to all egg producers, pullet rearers and egg packing centres who are registered with the relevant regulatory authority (DAFM or equivalent).
Egg Producers & Rearers
Egg producers & rearers seeking membership can initially apply through their packing centre/rearing organisation.
Egg Packing Centres
Egg packing centres can apply to Bord Bia using the application form below. When an application has been received, the meat plant will be required to pay an application/membership fee. The amount will vary depending on the amount of houses supplying the packer. Thereafter an annual membership fee will apply.
Applicants will also be required to sign a Membership Agreement with Bord Bia that includes an undertaking to comply with the requirements of the scheme and with relevant legal, indemnity and insurance requirements. They must also acknowledge the specifications set out in the Logo Use Policy which can be downloaded below.
Producer Certification
Following application, a full independent audit of the producer/rearer will be carried out to evaluate the capability of the applicant to meet all the requirements of the Standard.
When the producer is deemed to have complied with the requirements of the Standard, the production house will be considered for certification under the Scheme. Certified producers will be issued with a certificate for the production house which will be listed on the Bord Bia register/database. Producers can verify their certification status at https://qas.bordbia.ie/Egg/Verify/.
Egg Packing
Following application, a full independent audit of the packing centre will be carried out to evaluate the capability of the applicant to meet all the requirements of the Standard.
The standards for the egg packer include a requirement for a fully developed quality management system that includes a Quality Assurance Control Plan based on the principles of HACCP. Product identification and traceability is a key element of the packer requirements. This ensures that if there is any breach of the quality chain the product can be traced back to the farm of origin and the cause identified at source.
When the packing centre is deemed to have complied with the requirements of the Standard, it will be considered for certification under the Scheme. When certified, the packing centre will be issued with a certificate and will be listed on the Bord Bia database/register and on the egg member list.
Members must request approval to use the Quality Assurance Logos through logging into the Bord Bia members website (qas.bordbia.ie).
For more information please contact Quality.Assurance@BordBia.IE or 01 6143679.
QAS Scheme Members
Full details of Bord Bia Quality Assurance Scheme members.
- Beef - Beef Member List
- Horticulture - Horticulture Member List
- Egg - Egg Member List
- Poultry - Poultry Member List
- Pigmeat - Pigmeat Member List
- Lamb - Lamb Member List
- Feed - Feed Member List
Bord Bia Quality Mark Logo Use Policy
Download the Bord Bia Logo Use Policy for full detail on the conditions for the use of the Bord Bia Quality Assurance logos or click on the form link below to request logo use approval.
