09.07.2011

The Humane Society of the United States and United Egg Producers unveiled an agreement to push for federal mandates on animal welfare standards for egg farms.
The proposed new standards, which would be the first addressing the treatment of animals on farms, would phase out battery cages in favor of housing systems that include nesting boxes and scratching areas. The proposed overhaul includes phasing out all conventional battery cages and phasing in enriched housing systems, including perches, nesting boxes, and scratching areas that provide laying hens almost double the amount of space. Feed and water-witholding molting, a practice already being phased out, would be prohibited as would excessive ammonia levels in hen houses. Eggs that don't meet the new standards would not be allowed for sale in the U.S. under the new proposal.
The egg industry has pledged $4 billion investment toward overhauling industry practices over the next 15 years (Food safety News).