03.06.2010
July 1, 2010 is the final implementation date of Council Directive 2007/43/EC of 28 June 2007, known as the poultry welfare directive. This directive lays down minimum rules for the protection of chickens kept for meat production. As a general rule, this directive limits the stocking densities of poultry to 33 kg/m2, although Member States may still allow higher stocking densities under certain conditions. When an exemption is granted for higher stocking densities the maximum stocking density cannot exceed 39 kg/m2.
It is likely that, as a consequence of this new legislation, new labeling requirements for poultry imports will be installed, as Article 5 of this directive specifically mentions that the EU will submit a proposal in this context before the end of 2009.
On July 1, 2010, Commission Regulation 543/2008 comes into force. This regulation updates the EU’s marketing standards for poultry. It more clearly defines fresh poultry meat and does not allow thawed and further prepared poultry meat to be sold as fresh. It also tightens standards on water content in poultry.